Politics & Government
Fun Facts to Know About Fireworks
It's time for the Fourth of July and fireworks!
Actor James Lafferty once said, “I always have the most fun on the Fourth of July. You don’t have to exchange any gifts. You just go to the beach and watch fireworks. It’s always fun.” This year we can also head to the beach, a park and a fair to enjoy local Fourth of July fireworks celebrations. In the meantime, here are a few interesting things to know about fireworks.
History
According to several online sources, the first fireworks were developed during the Sung Dynasty in China somewhere between 960 and 1279. By 1258, explorers brought them to Europe, where color was added through experimentation and research. During the Renaissance, the Italians created “elaborate fireworks” and the Germans emphasized scientific studies of fireworks. Both groups contributed greatly to the development of fireworks. Pyrotechnics were extremely popular by the mid-17th century and fireworks shows are still popular all over the world today.
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The Grucci Family and Firework Shows as an Art
The Italians are credited with elevating pyrotechnics into art form. The Grucci family started their fireworks business in Italy in 1850. The family moved to the United States in 1870 and has been making worldwide fireworks history ever since. Here’s an interesting fact: forty years ago, the average fireworks show lasted one hour. Today, the average show is 20 minutes.
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Safety Tips
Thousands of firework-related accidents occur every year, the most common being burns and injuries to the hands, fingers, eyes and legs. Many of those injured are children. It is best to leave firework displays to the professionals, however, since many people like to purchase and use their own it is important to follow safety guidelines. Click here for more information about fireworks safety from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Local Fireworks
Many towns in our area will be having firework celebrations for the Fourth of July holiday. Here are a few:
: Saturday, July 25, 9 p.m. at (You have a beautiful view from , too.)
East Haven: Sunday, June 26, at the East Haven Town Beach. Beach party starts at noon.
New Haven: Monday, July 4 at East Rock Park. Festivities start around 7 p.m.
Guilford: Saturday, July 9 at the Guilford Fair Grounds
