Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
RED, WHITE & BLUE-TIFUL!
Fireworks shows will light up skies in county for Fourth of July fests
WEST NOTTINGHAM » Visitors will get more than a great fireworks display when they go to Freedom Fest in Nottingham Park Saturday night, July 1. The county commissioners, along with the Chester County Parks Department, Herr Foods and D’Ambrosio Chevrolet are providing an evening of entertainment that will conclude with a half-hour fireworks program. If that’s not convenient, anyone looking for Independence Day fireworks in other locations will find them at Downingtown, Phoenixville and Hockessin, Del.
Nottingham Park
Starting at 6 p.m. there will be carnival rides including three Orbotrons that flip, spin and twirl its riders at Freedom Fest.
More than a dozen food vendors will keep your belly full, but remember that if you bring food your cooler will be subject to search.
At 7:15 p.m. the band “On the Rise” returns playing music from classic rock, oldies and country hits.
At 9:30 p.m. the fireworks display begins. The grand finale incorporates the raising of the American flag.
There is no admission, but you must pay to park either at the Herr’s parking lot or the park. Both are located off the Route 272 exit off Route 1. Shuttle service is available to and from Herr’s parking lot beginning at 6 p.m. Bring a blan-
ket or chair for seating on the lawn.
No pets are allowed. All roads to Freedom Fest close by 9 p.m., so plan to arrive early. In the event that weather prohibits safe shooting of the fireworks show, Freedom Fest will be postponed to Sunday, July 2.
Longwood Gardens
A huge fireworks spectacular will take place Sunday, July 2 at 9 p.m. at Longwood Gardens in East Marlborough, but the event is already sold out. However, the fireworks display can be viewed from the Shoppes at Longwood Shopping Center. Police are advising motorists not to stop along the shoulder on Route 1.
Phoenixville
Phoenixville will hold its fireworks display on Tuesday, July 4, at Friendship Field, Fillmore Street and Franklin Avenue at 9:15 p.m.
The public is invited to arrive at 6 p.m. for cold refreshments, funnel cakes, french fries, and other snacks. Parking is available in the lot behind the reservoir at Reservoir Park, Franklin Commons, or the Santa Anna Club and at the Bethel Baptist Church on Fairview Street, police said.
No pets, drugs or alcohol are allowed.
Downingtown
Downingtown will hold its fireworks event in Kerr Park as the conclusion of Good Neighbor Day on July 4.
The day begins with its Run for Life at 8 a.m. and then moves on to a big wheel race at 9 a.m., canoe races starting at 10 a,. m., rides, a duck race, and then music from 4 to 9:30 p.m. The fireworks begin at dusk, or about 9:15
Hockessin, Delaware
Hockessin, Del., celebrates July 4 all day with food, rides and entertainment. At 3 p.m. there is a parade on Old Lancaster Pike. The fireworks begin at dusk and are visible from all areas around the town.
Longwood Gardens SOLD OUT
Longwood Gardens spent millions of dollars upgrading their fountains and fireworks facilities. Unfortunately, though, they are sold out for the July 2 fireworks show. Longwood has two levels of seating for fireworks: reserved and lawn. The next fireworks display available is Aug. 12, for which all the reserved seating is sold out, but lawn seating is still open. Spectators can still purchase tickets the Aug. 12 show for lawn seating at $42 for 19 and older, $22 for 18 and under. Lawn seating means you bring your own chair and arrive around 4:30 to place it on the grass. Shows begin at 9:15 p.m.