Next month, an annual Independence Day celebration is once again coming to Bayside.
Councilman Paul Vallone along with the Queens Chamber of Commerce and Bayside Historical Society announced the return of the Fifth Annual Independence Day Fireworks Show and Concert. The organizers invite revelers to Fort Totten on June 26 to enjoy a night of fireworks by Grucci, food and live entertainment.
“For a fifth straight year, residents in Northeast Queens won’t have to travel far to enjoy world-class fireworks with their friends, family and neighbors,” said Councilman Paul Vallone. “These types of family events are a great way to bring the community together in celebration. I thank everybody who has worked tirelessly to organize the event, as well as all of the volunteers who will be working on June 26 to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. I can’t imagine a better way to kick start the summer than with a fireworks show and concert at Fort Totten!”
According to Vallone’s office, the event has drawn in thousands of attendees in the past. Admittance to the event begins at 5 p.m. with musical performances between 6 and 9 p.m. Musical guests include the MM Rock Camp, Chicken Head Rocks, and Phil Costa & the Something Special Big B.
Following the live music, Fireworks by Grucci will put on a 15-minute exhibition, and launch fireworks off a barge on Little Neck Bay. The show begins promptly at 9:15 p.m. Organizers encourage guests to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic-related items to the event. Several food trucks will be on site for patrons to purchase food, snacks and beverages.
“We’re proud once again to partner with Council member Vallone to host our fifth annual concert and fireworks show in Fort Totten,” said Paul DiBenedetto, president of the Bayside Historical Society. “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. We look forward to this year’s event being even bigger and better than last year!”
Alcohol is not permitted at the event and NYPD will inspect all bags, coolers and backpacks before attendees enter the park. Due to a large expected turnout, guests are encouraged to bike, walk or take a bus to the event.
Attendees can park at the Little Bay Parking Lot underneath the Throgs Neck Bridge and along Bell Boulevard west of Fort Totten with additional parking at the Clearview Golf Course beginning at 5 p.m. Additional parking is also available at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center. Beginning at 6 p.m., Vallo Transportation shuttles will bring guests to and from the offsite parking locations.
“We’re proud to once again partner with these incredible community groups and Councilman Paul Vallone to provide complimentary shuttle service and help to unite our neighbors and celebrate at Fort Totten’s annual Independence Day event,” said Linda DeSabato, President of Vallo Transportation.
“The Queens Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to support the efforts of not only City Council member Paul Vallone, but all of the local residents and businesses of the area. Fireworks are as American as apple pie and baseball, and we are grateful to be involved,” said Queens Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Thomas J. Grech.
