By CHRISTINE LYNCH
The Fourth of July fireworks are a true highlight of summer, and the Cape boasts a good showing from one end to the other. As evening sets in, families begin the hunt for the best spots to view the night’s displays that begin once the skies are dark. A blanket, bug spray and maybe a light jacket are recommended. Even on a warm day, it could get chilly after dark when the breeze comes off the water.
Lighting Ancient Skies
BRENDA M. SHARP/ENTERPRISE
Fireworks light up the sky over Mashpee High School. The display, planned for the Fourth of July last year but canceled because of rain, was rescheduled and set off in September to mark the end of the summer season.
Fireworks go back thousands of years. While mixing various ingredients, alchemists in China circa 200 AD got the first fiery results. Saltpeter (potassium nitrate), sulfur and charcoal produced explosive sparks that led people to harness them for both celebration and for battle. Dating back to the 4th century, India employed fireworks for the Diwali ceremonies, which celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The lights were meant to help guide their deceased ancestors along their paths.
Once western travelers learned of these fireworks, the technique quickly spread throughout Europe, Britain and into the New World. Pyrotechnicians were tasked with the risky job of making increasingly brilliant displays. Coronations, special occasions and even the signing of the Declaration of Independence required a glittering display. John Adams knew the importance of the Declaration’s signing in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, insisting that the event be commemorated with “a grand exhibition of fireworks” on the city’s Commons.
However impressive, those early illuminations were only an orangey monochrome. The reds, blues and yellows that we expect to see were not created until the 1830s when Italian artisans added metallic powders, upping the game for the dazzling lights.
Now 49 of the 50 states sell fireworks in all colors and sizes, with Massachusetts being the exception. Since June 2020, we became the only state imposing a full ban on selling fireworks. Still, that does not seem to stop locals from procuring some and setting them off in fields and backyards in the days leading up to Independence Day.
On the Fourth of July, the Cape’s communities put on splendid public displays. Planning for these special summer events begins the previous fall, and a big consideration is fundraising. Towns typically need help to defray part of the costs, so the chambers of commerce or citizen nonprofits welcome donations and schedule fundraising events. For example, Orleans has The Friends of the 4th, and Falmouth has the Falmouth Fireworks Committee.
Falmouth celebrated Independence Day with some impressive fireworks, seen here from a vantage point on Falmouth Heights Beach.
The vice president of Falmouth’s committee, John Quesnel, said, “Our dedicated committee of 15 individuals works tirelessly throughout the year to stage our display, which has been voted one of the 10 best displays in America.” Renowned Cape artist Karen Rinaldo also has worked with Falmouth’s Fireworks Committee for more than 30 years, designing the official T-shirt for each summer’s fireworks. The committee sells these tees, plus long-sleeved shirts and caps, to raise money for the event.
For their 40th anniversary, the committee was encouraged to publish a commemorative book. So, in 2020, they compiled the fundraising book project, “Patriotic Tribute—Falmouth Fireworks Celebrates 40 Years.” Ms. Rinaldo, known for stepping up to raise awareness and funds through her art, worked with many townspeople to the create and publish the book. It celebrates the 40 years of Falmouth Fireworks history, 30 years of Ms. Rinaldo’s Falmouth Fireworks T-shirt designs, containing behind-the scenes anecdotes, poetry and tributes. The book is available on the Falmouth Fireworks Committee website or in several local businesses.
Once again, Stephen Pelkey, chief executive officer of Atlas PyroVision, will create a spectacular fireworks display. Ms. Rinaldo could not say enough about his work: “He is a fine detail man who’s won international awards.” For this year’s event, Ms. Rinaldo said, “The tally is $75,000 for a 25-minute show.” She mentioned for this summer’s T-shirt, “We’re bringing back the 2020 design featuring ‘A Mission A Vision—1980-2020.’” The 2020 fireworks were, of course, canceled, but the committee still wished to highlight its 40th anniversary, along with the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower coming to our shores.
Falmouth fireworks are set for Monday, July 4, this year with a rain date on July 5 (it is the Cape, after all). Mr. Quesnel said, “This year’s display will be bigger and better than ever.” Lasting about a half hour, this impressive show is made even better by musical accompaniment. People can listen on PIXY 103 (102.9 FM) and hear tunes that synch with the display. A lively crowd gathers by Falmouth Heights Beach, but viewing also is fine from other spots along the flat coastline.
Other Cape And Island Towns
Most Cape towns hold Fourth of July events during the day including ceremonies, picnics or parades, and some schedule fireworks starting just after dusk. The Town of Mashpee sets off its fireworks by the Mashpee Middle-High School off Route 151. Sandwich has its fireworks display on Shawme Pond near the town center. Hyannis has its display out of Hyannis Harbor, and the best viewing for this is on Veterans and Kalmus beaches and the beaches of West Yarmouth by Lewis Bay (though, because of endangered shore birds, this display will be held on September 3). On the Outer Cape, Orleans presents its fireworks on Rock Harbor by Skaket Beach on Friday, July 1 (rain date is July 5). Their display can also be viewed on the bay side of Brewster and Eastham. Provincetown’s fireworks are launched on Provincetown Harbor.
For the Onset and Wareham area, the display is over Onset Bay and can also be enjoyed by spectators near Bourne and Monument Beach. Both Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket have Fourth of July displays. The Martha’s Vineyard fireworks are set off from Edgartown Harbor, and Nantucket’s are on Jetties Beach.
More Fireworks During The Year
Beyond the Fourth of July, fireworks are featured during other seasons of the year on the Cape. Some of these include the Town of Dennis Festival Days scheduled for Labor Day, the Harwich Cranberry Arts & Music Festival held in mid-September and the Yarmouth Seaside Festival held around Indigenous Peoples’ Day in October. On New Years’ Eve, fireworks enliven the First Night celebration in Chatham and First Light in Provincetown.
Crowds generally relish these exciting displays, making for a fun night. But those with stress disorders as well as young children and animals might feel discomfort and terror while hearing loud percussive booms from fireworks. People have lost pets when they bolt from the scary, unexpected noise and flashes. To avoid problems, know when fireworks will occur and have plans ready to safeguard those who might have an adverse reaction. That may mean traveling away from the area, if possible. If not, stay close by them and keep assuring them they are protected and not in danger.