Darien 2021 Fireworks Display Postponed

DARIEN, CT — Darien's fireworks display scheduled to take place this week has been postponed to July 22 due to weather conditions, town officials announced Tuesday.

The event will still be held at Darien High School and gates for the event will still open to vehicle and pedestrian traffic at 6:30 p.m. Live music is set to begin at 7 p.m. and the fireworks will start around 9 p.m.

The decision to postpone the event was made due to "recent severe weather and continued rainy forecasts" effecting the event's staging, parking and viewing areas, according to town officials.

The fireworks display was previously canceled in light of the coronavirus crisis before suddenly being brought back earlier this month.

Jami Gore, program supervisor for the parks and recreation department, said having the fireworks return this year evokes feelings of excitement, unity and perseverance.

"Not only are we optimistic as the world begins a new chapter," Gore said, "we are certainly looking forward to bringing back community events for our town such as the fireworks."

While parking passes for the event have already sold out, Gore said in a news release guests can still walk in to the area and enjoy the free show. Parking lots are available for those who wish to walk into the event at both Middlesex Middle School and McGuane Field.

Parking is also permitted on the south side of the public portion of Holly Lane and the west side of Libby Lane. Parking is not permitted on Noroton Avenue, Gore said.

Guests with paid parking passes must enter Darien High School from Noroton Avenue. Gore previously said parking passes must be picked up prior to Town Hall closing Thursday at 5:15 p.m.

According to a previous announcement, the event will include local food truck options and families are also encouraged to bring their own picnic to the event. The town will also offer a sensory-friendly location for viewers this year.

Gore credited the combined efforts of town staff, community partners and local businesses with making the return of the fireworks this year possible.

"The success of this event moving forward is due to the vision, time and effort of our town staff and community partners coming together and joining hands with the common goal of wanting to make this happen for our residents," Gore said. "In addition, so many of our local businesses stepped up despite the challenges over the past year to support this effort for the community. This is not only a community event that brings so many out to attend, but its success is built on community partnership."

The lengthy list of sponsors included Barrett Bookstore, Baywater Properties, Darien Running Company, Darien Toy Box, First County Bank, Neat Coffee and Jayme and John Stevenson, among many others.

Following the town's announcement on July 1 that the fireworks would return, First Selectman Jayme Stevenson said she hoped residents would come out to enjoy the display and join the party.

"The fireworks not only represent a celebration of the importance of the Fourth of July holiday," Stevenson said, "but a celebration of hopefully being near the end of a very difficult year and a half with the pandemic, so come and enjoy."

Gore echoed Stevenson's excitement about the annual event's return.

"From all of us working to make the fireworks a reality," Gore said, "it is with heartfelt Darien pride and excitement we can announce the fireworks are back!"

Further information regarding the fireworks can be found at www.darienct.gov/fireworks.