By Mark Hallum
The Independence Day Fireworks Show and Concert, sponsored by Councilman Paul Vallone with the Bayside Historical Society, is set for June 28 at Fort Totten in Bayside. The celebration, entering its third year, has drawn thousands from the surrounding area with music, food and entertainment.
The venue overlooks Little Neck Bay and the Throgs Neck Bridge. The event begins at 5 p.m., and transportation will be provided from designated parking locations to the celebration grounds.
“I can’t imagine a better way to kick-start the summer than with a fireworks show and concert in Fort Totten,” Vallone said. “For a third straight year, residents in northeast Queens won’t have to travel far to enjoy world class fireworks with friends, family and neighbors. These types of family events really bring the community together in celebration, and I thank everybody who has worked tirelessly to organize the event, as well as everybody who will be working and volunteering on June 28th to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.”
Although the event is alcohol-free, with coolers and bags subject to search, there will be an abundance of food trucks with musical entertainment from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“We’re proud to partner with Council member Vallone to once again host this historic concert and fireworks show in Fort Totten. This year will be even bigger and better than last year.” Bayside Historical Society President Paul DiBenedetto said. “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.”
Parking will be available at the Little Bay Parking Lot, underneath the Throgs Neck Bridge and all along Bell Boulevard west of Fort Totten. Vallo Transportation will provide shuttle service to and from those areas. Parking at Little Bay will be handicap accessible.
“Vallo Transportation is proud to provide courtesy shuttle service for the Fort Totten fireworks show,” said Linda DeSabato, president of Vallo Transportation. “We always strive to give back to the communities we serve, and this event provides us the perfect opportunity to do just that.”
The fireworks show will be put on by Grucci, the same organization used the year prior for both the Fort Totten and Astoria displays in 2016.
Fireworks will be begin at 9:15 p.m.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
