For the thousands who gathered at various vantage points to take in Branford's annual fireworks display on Saturday, June 25, the pyrotechnics filling the night sky and leading to a thrilling finale are now officially on the books as the best yet to be enjoyed by the community.

Branford Parks and Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi Jr. said the resounding community response received by his department and members of the all-volunteer Branford Fireworks committee was that this show was the "best ever!"

Palluzzi said it also was one of Branford's longest shows on record, at a total of 27 minutes. The display's finale filled the sky with incredible pyrotechnics including several new designs, delivered in a barrage of explosive colors, sounds and sights during a continuous stream of firings rolling up into the air (see video of the finale at The Sound's Facebook and Instagram @thesoundct).

For the first time in three years, Branford's fireworks display returned to its traditional launching point at the town dock beside the beach at Branford Point and Parker Memorial Park. Crowds began packing the park in earnest at 11 a.m. for the night-time display, which fired off its first rounds at 9:30 p.m. Food trucks were on site at the park, where live music was provided all day by DJ Dennis Nardella of Branford. Shuttles ran in still more people, beginning at 5:30 p.m., from parking locations at and around Branford Community House on Church Street. Many others gathered at Foote Park and Hammer Field to view the show, while additional large groups and gatherings collected at Branford Harbor and Branford River residential and other locations, including yacht clubs along the Branford River corridor.

Each year, donations from the public and sponsors help to underwrite the show, which is put on with assistance from the Town of Branford together with the work of Branford police, fire and public works personnel; and through the efforts Branford Parks and Recreation working with the all-volunteer Branford Fireworks committee, now in its 21st year of collaboration. Current committee members are Palluzzi, Jeffrey Vailette, Dale Izzo, Dennis Flanigan, Ray Ingraham, Annie Redman, Nicole Cipriano and Ed Masotta.