Printer Friendly Version - Branford Fireworks Will Launch June 23, But Not from Ecology Park

On May 24, Branford Fireworks Committee's test launch from Ecology Park didn't return views in public places that the commitee was hoping to see. This view shows a burst as seen from Pawson Park in the vicinity of Branford Harbor.Pam Johnson/The Sound

May 24 Test Launch Views Fizzle at Public Gathering Points

After taking a shot at launching some test fireworks from Branford's Ecology Park on May 24, the Branford Fireworks Committee announced on May 25 that a new location for the June 23 show is being pursued and will be announced shortly.

"We will have a show on June 23, so we have to act fast to get the logistics down, working with the First Selectman and the town," said Fireworks committee member Ray Ingraham, adding the commitee has some good alternative sites in mind.

Ingraham was one of the all-volunteer committee's point people fanning out around town on May 24 at public points where crowds usually gather to view the annual display. In April, the committee announced Ecology Park as this year's launch site, because the display can't go off from Branford Point due a deck replacement project underway at the Harbor Street bridge.

The committee built-in a test-launch to determine whether the public would see a great show from Branford's high-point of Ecology Park on the town's Tabor property. Most of the fireworks were launched to heights of some 700 feet in the air, but just the big bursts – which involve very costly shells – were making it over the tree line at Foote Park, one of the top public viewing areas, said Ingraham.

"I was filming from Foote Park, and I couldn't see it from the park, except for the very high ones," said Ingraham of the test display, which was shot off several shell bursts at approximately 9 p.m. on May 24 for about 10 minutes. See the test video at the Branford Fireworks Committee Facebook page here

The view from Branford Point, another public gathering site expected to be popular for the Ecology Park-launched fireworks, was also lackluster, said Ingraham. By the time the test concluded, the idea of using Ecology Park as a launch point had fizzled out. One of the main reasons is that a priority for the committee is to have locations where the public can gather for a great view, with ample access for shuttles and parking, said Ingraham.

Following the May 24 test, "...we had a long discussion and we realized we couldn't have it at Ecology Park," said Ingraham. "It was very nice private show for lots of neighbors [but] anywhere else in town, there was really no public access to see it."

The new location is expected to be announced very shortly. The Branford 2018 Fireworks display remains set to take place Saturday, June 23 at approximately 9:30 p.m.; with a rain date of Sunday, June 24.

The Branford Fireworks Committee works year-round to raise donations from individuals, groups and organizations to put on the display. The town chips in a $15,000 contribution but the costs add up to nearly double that each year. Not including costs for police, fire, and public works overtime, but taking into consideration costs including free shuttle buses and the pyrotechnics display, some $26,000 is needed to put on the show each year, according to a 2017 committee estimate. Residents can support the Branford Fireworks by sending a check payable to Branford Fireworks, Town of Branford c/o Branford Parks and Recreation Dept. 40 Kirkham St., Branford CT 06405.