Vernon's Fireworks Display To Feature 1,500 Shells For 2021

VERNON, CT — After a one-year hiatus during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Vernon's July in the Sky Fourth of July celebration is back with a massive 75th anniversary fireworks display planned.

The event is on tap for July 7 at Henry Park and Downtown Rockville.

Family friendly activities, music and other entertainment are planned to begin at 6 p.m. The fireworks show will feature more than 1,500 shells and is slated to begin at about 9:30 p.m. It will be launched from Fox Hill Tower and be visible from Henry Park and downtown Rockville.

The events at Henry Park are organized by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and the downtown Rockville activities are organized in partnership with the Rockville Community Alliance.

"The pandemic forced us to cancel July in the Sky last year, but we’re coming back strong," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "July in the Sky is a great event that people from all over look forward to. And there's no better way to kick off the celebration of Independence Day."

Henry Park will close at 3 p.m. on June 30 so that food vendors and others can move in and set up. The park will reopens for the event at 6 p.m. There is a fee of $5 per car and $1 per walker to enter the park. There is no charge to enjoy the fireworks from downtown Rockville.

In downtown Rockville, East Main Street from Elm to Court streets, Park Place, St. Bernard's Terrace and portions of Park and Elm streets will close at 6 p.m. so that people can safely view the fireworks from Central Park or the street.

Those heading to the event will also be able to get a free coronavirus vaccination. Vaccination clinics will be available on the tennis courts at Henry Park and in front of Vernon Town Hall in downtown Rockville. Vernon firefighters will provide free hands-only CPR training in both locations.

The Reminisants, an oldies cover band, will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. at Henry Park. A DJ will play dance music in downtown Rockville.

There will also be inflatables and other activities for children and families in Henry Park and downtown Rockville. Activities are an extra fee in the park and in Rockville.

Activities in downtown Rockville also include Big Jim’s Foam Machine, which fills the air and area with bubbles, and face painting.

In addition to Rockville's restaurants, food vendors will set up booths to serve fried dough, ice cream, Italian ice, kettle corn and tacos. There will also be booths set up by local businesses and crafters.

In downtown Rockville, a pre-fireworks highlight will be the Push, Pull and Pedal Patriotic Parade, where anyone can decorate a bicycle, wagon, stroller, tricycle, skateboard or other non-powered vehicle and then March to town hall. Free decorations will be available for people to dress up their vehicle before the parade steps off at 7:30 p.m. from the Ladd & Hall parking lot. Participants will gather about 6:45 p.m. for judging.

No pets, alcohol, bicycles, skateboards, fireworks or sparklers are permitted in Henry Park. The same goes for downtown Rockville, except for the parade time.

"It really is about community, seeing friends and neighbors, seeing kids’ happy faces, and enjoying a traditional Fourth of July celebration," said Tom DiDio of the Rockville Community Alliance.

Sponsorship and vendor opportunities available in Rockville and Henry Park. For Henry Park, contact the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department at parksandrec@vernon-ct.gov. For downtown Rockville, contact Tom DiDio at thomas.didio@snet.net. Volunteers are also needed for activities in Rockville.