A Rite Resumes As Fireworks Fill The Air

Their interpretations of the holiday varied, but the crowd that returned to East Rock for the resumption of the city’s Independence Day fireworks shared a sense of post-pandemic safety — and awe at the explosions of color in the sky.

Hundreds of families gathered early on the Wilbur Cross football field Sunday evening for the annual display, as a city crew set off after dark from the top of East Rock.

For some, the celebration was in the name of freedom and America’s historical accomplishments. For others, it was just a beautiful evening to enjoy some beautiful fireworks.

Despite the difference in views of the holiday, when 9:15 p.m hit all eyes were glued to the sky.

Last year’s July 4th firework celebration was canceled due to the Covid pandemic. For its return this year, hundreds of families gathered with blankets and lawn chairs in the field, bleachers, and parking lots. Masks and free vaccines were offered by Griffin Hospital at the event.

The lines for fried dough and hot dogs stretched across the field. Families played frisbee, tossed footballs, and lit sparklers as they waited for the display to start.

Families cheered as large fireworks popped in the sky and burst with light that lit up faces.

Lydia and Jake Rivich sat together on a blanket laid out on the football field. It was both of their first times witnessing the East Rock firework celebration.

“I think it’s more about having fun. Not really the meaning of the day,” said Jake, 23. ​“I just like fireworks.”

The newlyweds found their way from Washington and Illinois for Jake to attend graduate school at Yale.

“I feel totally safe,” said Lydia, 22, when asked about the gathering and Covid concerns.

The sky lit up with flashes of red, then blue, then green, then all three together. Families clapped and hollered as the sky changed colors.

Forty-six-year New Haven resident Shedria came to the Sunday event with her large family of grandkids, kids, and kids-in-law. ​“It’s nice to be with the family and to see others because that’s what I’ve really been missing out on,” she said.

Shedria was vaccinated and unmasked Sunday night. She said she comes to the East Rock firework celebration every year. ​“I can feel the change from how things were last year when they were canceled. That was the right call,” she said.

Shedria said she came to celebrate the occurrences of independence throughout history.

Masequa Pina and Terrence Riggins sat in lawn chairs under a blanket just behind the field.

Pina said she was celebrating Juneteenth a second time Sunday. ​“It’s the 15th day after Juneteenth,” she said.

Pina said she in recent years she has celebrated Juneteenth more than Independence Day.

“I feel I’m celebrating more of an understanding of history,” said Riggins. ​“I celebrate with cynicism.”

“The African diaspora has a really complex and tough task of being a citizen of a country that is so fraught with white fragility,” Riggins added. ​“We celebrate the standing tradition as citizens of a hypocrisy.”

Riggins questioned if Independence Day was a catalyst for the later freedom of enslaved African Americans. ​“Was independence from the UK necessary in order to lead to the freedom of us,” he asked.

WYBC-FM sponsored the event, playing renditions of the national anthem by singers like Marvin Gaye during the firework display.

West Hartford resident Sinead Sinnott, 28 (at right in photo below) joined her New Haven friends for what she has heard to be ​“one of the best firework shows around.” After the fireworks, she gave the display a thumbs up.

Sinnott brought 1‑year-old Golden Retriever Soka to the celebration to avoid leaving her home alone.

Sinnott, who is vaccinated, said she felt safe and was able to socially distance with her friends, Soka, and a box of pizza during the event.

Sinnott celebrated in the name of freedom and for her many military family members. ​“Today isn’t the biggest holiday I celebrate, but I appreciate our history of freedom and that we’ve come a long way,” she said.