Vernon's July In The Sky Fireworks Show Is A Go This Week

VERNON, CT — Vernon's annual July in the Sky fireworks celebration is on for Wednesday, town officials said.

The announcement was made at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. The July 7 date was rescheduled from a week ago, when strong thunderstorms prompted a postponement.

It's the 75th anniversary of the event. Town leaders met with the municipality's consulting meteorologist Tuesday morning and the recommendation was made to go forward with the event, officials said.

Family friendly activities, music and other entertainment are slated to begin at 6 p.m. in Henry Park and Downtown Rockville. The fireworks show will feature more than 1,500 shells and is to begin 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 Dan 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. Wednesday so that food vendors and others can move in and set up. The park is to 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 will be charge to watch 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.

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

The Reminisants will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. at Henry Park. A DJ will play dance music in Rockville.

Activities at the park and in Rockville come with an extra fee.

In downtown Rockville, the traditional Push, Pull and Pedal Patriotic Parade is a go. Anyone
can decorate a bicycle, wagon, stroller, tricycle, skateboard or other non-powered vehicle and then participate.
Free decorations will be available for people to dress up their vehicles 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 when bicycles and other non-powered vehicles are welcome to join the parade.

“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.