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East Haven Beach Party and Fireworks Set for June 26

East Haven will hold its 20th annual Fourth of July Beach Party and Fireworks display on Sunday, June 26, one day later than previously announced. The party will once again begin at noon on East Haven’s Town Beach, with a lineup of four bands and an array of food vendors. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.

The timing switch is due to a miscommunication and scheduling conflict with the vendor that presents the fireworks, according to Michelle Benivegna, the town’s assistant director of administration and management. When the town called to ask a question about the event, the vendor revealed that it didn’t have the reservation in its system.

“It was a fluke,” said Benivegna.

But as the town presented its fireworks on Sundays up until 2010, the logical solution was to reschedule for the following day.

The event will otherwise proceed as planned. Bands performing this year are Wednesday Bowling League; Start Me Up, a Rolling Stones tribute band; Nu Groove; and Wanted DOA, a Bon Jovi tribute band. The music will continue all afternoon, ending at 9 p.m., 15 minutes before the fireworks begin.

“It certainly will be a day of fun,” she said. “We’re still anticipating a good turnout and a beautiful display.”

Every year, she added, the event is a “huge success.”

The annual party is spearheaded by the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and supported by the town, which assists VVA with fundraising.

“It’s funded 100 percent by donations,” Benivegna said.

Title sponsors will be determined as donations come in and will appear on the banners along Main Street as well as at the event itself. Donations are accepted right up to the day of the event.

“Last year we exceeded the amount needed,” said Benivegna.

When that happens, the funds are put aside for the following year’s event.

Donations may be made by check and mailed to East Haven Town Hall, 250 Main Street 06512, to the attention of Benivegna or VVA Fireworks. Checks may be made out to the VVA or Town of East Haven.

The rain date, which will include “limited entertainment and fireworks,” according to the town website, will be Monday, June 27.

Beginning at 9 a.m., access to Town Beach will be limited, with Cosey Beach Avenue closed from Second Avenue to Philips Street. Coe Avenue will be closed from Bradford Street to the beach. East Haven Police Department officers will post notices and direct motorists in the Town Beach area.