Communities plan fireworks on the North Shore

Throughout the North Shore, several towns have planned spectacular shows:

The town of Danvers holds its spectacular fireworks show _ choreographed to music _ Saturday, July 3, beginning at 9:30 p.m. at Plains Park, located behind the old junior high school on Conant Street.

However, you should show up at 5 p.m., when the live entertainment begins. There's a band, children's rides, midway games, food concessions, and exciting, airy entertainment _ such as a warbird flyover of ex-military planes. Then the Star Spangled Flyers, five parachute jumpers, perform stunts at 7 p.m., then later, in the dark, just before the fireworks begin.

There is no parking in the park, except for handicapped persons. There also is blocked-off handicapped seating.

It is recommended you arrive early, park in the downtown square and walk to the park from there.

nnn

Castle Hill in Ipswich begins its annual celebration Sunday, the Fourth of July, at 5 p.m., with the fireworks display starting at 9 p.m., on the Grand Allee.

Entertainment includes a patriotic family pops concert performed by the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra and also the Dixieland sounds of Made in the Shade Band.

Children's activities include free pony rides, a juggler, sand art and face painting, capped off by a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean. Tickets are members, adult, $8, children, $4; non-members, $10, $5.

For reservations, call the box office at (978) 356-7774.

nnn

Another favorite on July 4 is at the Marblehead Harbor. Last year 10,000 to 15,000 people viewed this magnificent event. Favorite viewing spots are Devereux Beach, Crocker Park, Fort Sewell and Chandler Hovey Park, along with any other spot on the waterfront.

Local town residents and businesses will illuminate the harbor at 8:45 p.m. to signal that the fireworks will start shortly, at 9 p.m. Parking is available in town.

nnn

Beverly Homecoming has scheduled its fireworks for Sunday, Aug. 8, between 9 and 9:30 p.m. at Lynch Park. They are also visible from Dane Street or Rice's Beach and Independence Park. Please check the homecoming schedule for more details. Also, call the Beverly Recreation Department at 921-6067.

nnn

The Salem Heritage Days celebration plans its annual fireworks for Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Salem Willows.

The event, which organizers say will last up to an hour and a half, starts at 9 p.m. It's best to show up early _ fireworks always draw a crowd.

If you don't want to fight the traffic home from the Willows, catch the show from various locations around Beverly. Lynch Park is a prime spot to see the Willows festival of lights.

Return to: