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Who’s behind Fairfield’s annual fireworks show and how many people attend?
Coordinated by Town Parks & Recreation director Gerry Lombardo, Fairfield’s annual fireworks show has been facilitated for the past seven years by Telstar Display Fireworks of Jaffrey, NH. While in the past, fireworks were launched from the beach, legislation passed 15 years ago dictated that they be fired from a barge offshore and a 1,200-foot perimeter established around the barge. Amboy Aggregates of Long Island provides the barge, Norwalk Marine provides a tug to tow it out to an area off Jennings Beach and local marine police assist with patrols. Typically initiated at sunset, the show lasts about 30 minutes on average and uses over 100 three- to four-inch shells each with multiple parts. Though the show is computer coordinated, it still takes 10 to 12 hours to get everything set up. The town earmarks $35,000 out of its budget to cover costs. The most popular event in town during the calendar year, the show attracts approximately 10,000 people when the weather is cooperative. The show has been canceled only once.
