After 15-months of pandemic-induced restrictions on gatherings, the city of Burlington plans to mark the return to normality with a literal bang when it commemorates Independence Day early next month.
The city has announced that, as part of its observance of the forthcoming holiday, it will resurrect the annual fireworks show that it has customarily staged to celebrate American Independence.
This long-running tradition, which was called off last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, is slated to resume on Friday, July 2 with a pyrotechnics display at the Burlington Athletic Stadium.
According to the city, the stadium was chosen over the event’s regular venue at Burlington’s City Park due to the ongoing construction of a new building to house the city’s historic Dentzel Carousel. The city-owned stadium at 1450 Graham Street is also close to several other municipal facilities that will be open during the fireworks show to augment the stadium’s seating capacity.
The city notes that the Burlington Sock Puppets, the stadium’s resident baseball team, are also scheduled to take the field on the date of the fireworks display. The purchase of a ticket will consequently be necessary for anyone who wants to watch the pyrotechnics from inside the stadium. The city will also allow spectators to gather at the Fairchild Soccer Fields across the street from the stadium as well as the Fairchild Softball Field off of Graham-Hopedale Road.
“The Fairchild Soccer and Softball fields are more relaxed environments,” the city goes on to stress in a news release, “where you will need to bring your own blanket or chairs. Drink sales will be available, and restrooms are in close proximity to each field, but no additional activities will take place.”
According to the city, the soccer and softball fields will open to the public at 7:30 in preparation for the display. The fireworks themselves will go off at the conclusion of that evening’s baseball game – or at 9:15 p.m. at the earliest.
“All fireworks viewing locations are tobacco and drug free,” the city adds. “No dogs will be permitted.”
