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Fireworks on tap for Bayside, Astoria

By Mark Hallum

Details about the Independence Day celebrations in Bayside and Astoria have been announced by organizers in their communities.

City Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) and the Bayside Historical Society are hosting the second annual Independence Day Celebration at Fort Totten. The event will take place Wednesday, June 29, at 6 p.m. and will feature a fireworks show, musical entertainment and transportation to and from designated parking lots.

The MichelleMarie RockBand Camp, a Bayside-based program which works with student to teach skills and discipline for musical performance, and Phil Costa & Something Special Band, a big band jazz ensemble playing music from the ‘30s and ‘40s, are both returning from last year. Vending trucks will be on site to provide food or drink, however, the event is alcohol-free.

The main attraction will begin by 9:15 p.m., and will be organized by Guinness World Record-holding company Fireworks by Grucci, which will launch from a barge in Little Neck Bay.

Parking will be provided by the Bay Terrace Plaza and Clearview Golf Course. Shuttle service from these points to Fort Totten will be provided by Vallo Transportation.

“BHS at the Castle serves as a cultural destination within the Fort Totten Historic District and hosting an Independence Day celebration right outside our front door is a great way for the community to link the past with the present,” Paul DiBenedetto, president of the Bayside Historical Society said.

The Center for the Women of New York will be hosting a lawn party for the fireworks show at its future home within the fort.

Grucci will also perform the fireworks show for Astoria’s Independence Day celebration, organized by the Local Development Coalition and located at Astoria Park on Shore Boulevard. Festivities will take place Thursday, June 30, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.