Capt. John McVeigh and the Huntington Fire Association have set the date for a return of fireworks to town after a two-year effort. (Photo by Amy Porter
HUNTINGTON – Capt. John McVeigh of the Huntington Fire Association has announced that the first “Huntington Celebrates” fireworks will be held on Saturday, September 9 (rain date Sept. 10) at the Gateway Regional High School Fields.
The event is free, and will begin at 5 p.m. with a performance by the band “Relentless” along with food concessions and merchandise for sale. There will also be a Children’s Muster, a firemen’s obstacle course for children led by the Chesterfield Fire Association. McVeigh said the kids will get firemen’s helmets, and opportunities to drag a hose and participate in a bucket brigade to put out a fake fire.
Residents gathered around a bonfire in Huntington last Nov. to raise money for Huntington Fire Association’s fireworks. (Submitted photo by Kara Rousseau)
The second portion of the celebration will feature a spectacular fireworks display, beginning at 8 p.m. and lasting roughly one hour, according to McVeigh. He said they plan to start it nice and small, and grow the event from year to year.
Huntington Celebrates also has a purpose, to say thank you to those who serve the town, whether police, fire, EMS, veterans or town volunteers. “It is these important people that make our community such a special place to live,” he said.
The Huntington Fire Association successfully raised $7,000 over the last two years for the fireworks through boot drives, private donations and a bonfire that was held last November in Pettis Field, which drew 200 people and raised more than $1,000. Town residents also voted at the annual town meeting to transfer $10,000 from free cash for the celebration.
Although the event is free, donations are welcome towards next year’s fireworks. Merichandise vendors are also still needed, and are urged to call John McVeigh as soon as possible at 860-967-1046. The cost is $50 for a 10’x12’ booth.
