WESTFIELD – Mayor Brian Sullivan has announced that a fireworks display will happen in Westfield this summer.
The skies light up Saturday night in Stanley Park at The Fireworks for Freedom 2014 celebration. (Photo by Liam Sheehan)
After numerous site examinations and discussions with fire and police officials, this year’s Fireworks for Freedom will be done behind South Middle School on Saturday July 2nd.
The City has been given initial approval from both its fireworks vendor, Atlas PyroVision of Jaffrey, New Hampshire and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, pending a final plan submission.
For the past several years the fireworks had been organized by the Rotary Club of Westfield and held at Stanley Park. The Rotary Club has refocused its community efforts on the Downtown Food Fest, which will be held in late August.
Mayor Brian Sullivan thanked the Rotary Club and Stanley Park for their past service.
“Mark Boardman and the Rotary Club have been very helpful as we work to transition this event to a new location,” Mayor Sullivan said. “Over the coming weeks, my team will be working very hard to deliver an event worthy of the 4th of July celebration,” he continued.
Mayor Sullivan said he will be working with the Police Department, the Fire Department, fireworks vendors, local non-profits, and businesses to plan event logistics and raise funds for the event.
To volunteer or learn more about the event, please contact the Mayor’s office at (413) 572-6201.
In an effort to reduce traffic Mayor Sullivan is urging citizens to walk and bike via the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail to see the fireworks display as well as utilize the many parking areas around the school.
In a story from The Westfield News on May 11th, Mayor Sullivan stated that, due to current regulations, a location within the city is becoming harder and harder to find. The selection of the area behind South Middle School meets the necessary requirements by providing plenty of spectator space and sufficient area for the launch.
With sunset at approximately 830pm that night the fireworks are expected to kick off about 9pm.
