Fireworks Will Light Up Springfield, Six Flags on July 4

Fireworks displays in western Massachusetts will be in viewing distance for north central Connecticut residents on Independence Day. Shows are scheduled at Six Flags New England in Agawam and Springfield’s Riverfront Park on Monday night.

Both shows will feature impressive pyrotechnics. Star Spangled Springfield is a national class presentation. If last year’s show is any indication; the sky above Six Flags will be lit up as well.

Spirit of Springfield, a non-profit organization that promotes civic events and engagement in the city, presents the Springfield display. The event features free admission and a performance by the northeast Air National Guard band at 7:30 p.m. before the show starts.

Fireworks by Grucci, which has presented large fireworks displays across the country and the world for more than three decades, is in charge of the fireworks display. Grucci uses 432 firing cues, 22 firing batteries and 25 miles of wiring to circuit the batteries. The show also requires enough lumber to build a house and 22 tons of sand.

The Six Flags show will be popular as well, with a full amusement park and water park available to enjoy before the show.

Grucci provided this guide to fireworks etiquette on the Spirit of Springfield Web site.

1. Obey police, respect public and private property
2. Bring chairs, blankets and, most importantly, bring your manners.
3. Bring a trash bag to clean up and take home your own refuse.
4. Remember, first in, last out. So wait patiently for your turn to exit the parking lot and drive carefully.
5. Don’t bring any of your own fireworks – they are illegal and very dangerous. Just sit back and enjoy Grucci’s fireworks.

Both shows are visible to the surrounding area, especially from the banks of the Connecticut River. With Six Flags only a few hundred feet from the Connecticut border, a short trip to the riverbanks in Suffield or Enfield on Monday night will yield some enjoyable viewing.

Six Flags New England is located at 1623 Main Street, Agawam, MA. Springfield’s Riverside Park is at the corner of West Columbus and the Memorial Bridge.