Your Guide to 4th of July Celebrations, Fireworks

Fireworks in the summertime are as American as apple pie, especially around Independence Day. That’s why Patch is here to help.

Since July 4 falls on a Wednesday this year, celebrations are happening before, during and after the holiday. We have compiled a list of area fireworks displays and celebrations, but if you have a favorite outside the area that's worth a drive, please let us know in the comments section below.

Here’s a look at where the skies will light up this year:

JULY 4
Where: Lake Compounce Amusement Park, 822 Lake Ave. in Bristol.
When: Fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m.
Details: Lake Compounce will celebrate the holiday with a family fun day and fireworks display. The display is free with the price of admission. For more information call 860-583-3300.

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JULY 4
Where: Great American Boom at Stanley Quarter Park, 451 Blake Road in New Britain.
When: Celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with fireworks scheduled for 9:15 p.m.
Details: The Great American Boom has become one of the more popular July 4 displays in the area, often drawing thousands from throughout the area. The event is free to attend and includes vendors and children’s rides.

JULY 5
Where: Meriden Fireworks at Hubbard Park, 199 Notch Road in Meriden.
When: Celebration kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with the fireworks display expected to begin around 9 p.m.
Details: When the Westfield-Meriden Mall announced that they would not be providing a fireworks display in 2012, members of the City Council came together to put together a display of their own. The festivities will be open to the public, with live music and more.

JULY 7
Where: Hartford Riverfest at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford; Founders Plaza and Great River Park, 301 East River Drive in East Hartford.
When: Festival begins at 4 p.m. with fireworks scheduled at 9 p.m.
Details: The Hartford Riverfest is one of the most well attended fireworks displays in the state. Food, drinks and merchandise will be sold onsite. Rain date is July 8. For more information, visit the event website.

JULY 7
Where:Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at Sheehan High School, 142 Hope Hill Road in Wallingford.
When: The event will begin at 5 p.m. with fireworks scheduled to begin around 9 p.m.
Details: The annual Wallingford fireworks display includes live music, vendors and more. This year's event is hosted by the Campus at Greenhill Wallingford Fireworks Fund.

JULY 13
Where: Fireman’s Carnival at Union School, 173 School St. in Unionville.
When: Carnival opens at 6 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Details: Tunxis Hose Co. 1 will celebrate the 119th Annual Fireman’s Carnival from July 12 through July 14 with fireworks on July 13. (Rain date for fireworks is July 14) The festival will include rides, vendors and more. It’s free to attend. For more information call (860) 675-2534.

JULY 21
Where: The 31th Annual Extravaganza at Mill Pond Park, Garfield St. in Newington.
When: The Extravaganza begins at 9 a.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Details: The program includes a day full of activities, musical performances and more culminating in fireworks at the end of the celebration. Rain date is July 22. For more information call (860) 665-8666.

Know of other displays not included? Add them into the comments section below and share the fun!

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