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04/15/2015 09:41 AMClinton will have its very first fireworks display as part of Summer Fest and Fireworks at the Clinton Town Beach on Saturday, Aug. 22. The hope is to draw people from around the state to experience what Clinton has to offer, and a large turnout is expected.
The Clinton Chamber of Commerce is organizing the event, with a large fireworks show produced by Andrew Randi of Bay Fireworks.
“The Chamber’s goal is to have a fun family event, but mostly to bring business into town,” said Chamber Executive Director Lauren Sposato.
“It’s going to be a big show, one of the biggest on the shoreline,” said Randi. “The fireworks are basically to bring families together; it’s always a huge family day.”
The idea for the fireworks came from Randi himself. He grew up on the shoreline, and his family has been involved in the fireworks business for 50 years.
The Randi family moved to Clinton five years ago and noticed the absence of fireworks in town.
“Clinton is our hometown. We’re very involved—it’s a great town,” Randi said. “From Fairfield to New London, they all have fireworks, except Clinton. It skips Clinton.”
A family friend and Chamber of Commerce Board member, Mari Lee, also sales manager for Christo Jewelers, proposed the idea to the Chamber, and the project was born.
The Clinton Town Beach has a large playground for kids, a pavilion, and permanent tables and benches. The festivities will happen throughout the day, and the fireworks will begin after dark.
Parking for the event will be throughout town, with shuttles to bring attendees to the beach. Randi said that lots such as those at the old Pond’s building, ShopRite, Ocean State Job Lot, and even Clinton Crossings Premium Outlets are all being considered.
For about two months, Clinton residents and business owners have been working in eight subcommittees to plan and organize the event. Sponsors will help fund the fireworks, and local businesses are being asked to join in and help out.
The committee members are all volunteers, and the plan is that, between the sponsors and the support from vendors, the event will pay for itself.
“It’s a team effort that we hope local businesses will want to be a part of,” Sposato said.
Bay Fireworks is donating a percentage of the fireworks and staff. Randi is donating his pay and assisting with “anything they need with marketing.”
The event is modeled after last year’s downtown Clinton Art Stroll, which was designed to promote appreciation and understanding of the arts in the community while broadening the local audience’s interest in the arts. The Chamber is transposing that into the Summer Fest and adding music, food, and—most important—fireworks.
“Currently the Fireworks Committee is seeking food service, as well as craft vendors for the event. We are also encouraging non profits to get involved to raise funds for their group by possibly selling cotton candy, or face painting, etc.,” said Body Karma Studio Director Jessica Demers, a Chamber board and Fireworks Committee member. “For activities and entertainment, we would again like to see community involvement, and are open to ideas if anyone has a talent they would like to share.”
Applications have been sent to possible participants and can be requested by emailing clintonfireworks@gamil.com.