MARION — Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman, Police Chief Richard B. Nighelli and Fire Chief Brian Jackvony urge residents to celebrate safely this upcoming Fourth of July weekend and ask motorists to follow traffic and parking guidelines for the July 3 Fireworks Celebration at Silvershell Beach.
The Marion Fireworks Committee has announced the return of the Town’s Independence Day weekend fireworks display to Silvershell Beach on Friday, July 3, at 9:15 p.m., as part of Marion’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Organizers encourage attendees to bring a blanket, a picnic and their patriotic spirit as the Marion Concert Band kicks off the evening with a selection of patriotic favorites before the fireworks light up the harbor.
“We’re all excited to welcome a Town tradition back to our community,” Town Administrator Gorman said. “So many members of this amazing community have combined talents and hard work to organize what promises to be an unforgettable show.”
Arrival and Parking Details
Those planning to attend the fireworks event at Silvershell Beach are encouraged to arrive early, and residents of the Marion Village area should ask expected guests to arrive no later than 7 p.m. that evening.
The Marion Police Department also asks visitors to obey the following parking guidelines:
- For those located west of Front Street, guests parking on side streets are asked to park facing Converse Road or Pleasant Street.
- For those located east of Front Street, guests parking on side streets are asked to park facing Water Street.
- The exception is for vehicles on Vine Street, which are asked to face west toward Front Street.
- No parking will be allowed on the south side of Lewis Street between Front Street and Converse Road.
- The above parking guidance will help to reduce traffic problems should guests wish to leave before, during or immediately after the fireworks show.
Handicap parking will be available at the beach. Attendees are reminded that alcohol is prohibited and dogs are not allowed. Drone use will also be restricted in the area.
Attendees may see an increased police presence in the area in support of the event.
Community members are reminded, if they “See Something, Say Something.” Any misuse of fireworks witnessed in Town can be reported to the Marion Police Department at 508-748-1212.
Always call 911 in case of a firework-related emergency, a possible impaired driver on the road or other emergency. Click here for more safe celebration tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Celebrate Safely
It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts without a license and permit. This includes fireworks purchased legally elsewhere and brought into Massachusetts. It includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, and other fireworks. The penalty for violating the law may include confiscation, and a fine or imprisonment, or both. Fines range from $10 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.
Residents are reminded of the following:
- Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
- Never allow young children to go near fireworks.
- Alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
- Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost.
Marion officials also urge residents to observe the following tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on getting home safely following Fourth of July celebrations:
- Be mindful of pedestrians.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving.
- Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home safely.
- Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive.
- Alcohol and drugs impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
“This year’s fireworks celebration marks a special milestone as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary,” said Chief Nighelli. “We encourage everyone to arrive early, plan ahead, and celebrate responsibly. By working together, we can make this a safe and enjoyable event for our community.”
The Celebration Begins
While families and friends gather on the beach and surrounding green to enjoy a classic summer evening, Fieldstone Farm’s snack shack will be open and serving favorites including hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and other refreshments.
On the morning of the show, the launch barge will arrive, and the fireworks will be carefully loaded, inspected and secured. From that point forward, the display must proceed as planned, as safety regulations and operational requirements leave little flexibility for last-minute changes.
While the Marion Fireworks Committee carefully monitors weather conditions and works closely with public safety officials, they unfortunately cannot control Mother Nature. As anyone who lives on Buzzards Bay knows, coastal weather can change quickly. Fog, wind, and other conditions occasionally affect visibility, even when forecasts appear favorable. The committee asks for residents’ understanding that the fireworks must proceed once the barge is loaded and in position.
“Each of our Town’s Departments including Police, Fire, DPW and Recreation along with many volunteers work year-round to make this tradition possible, and we are grateful for their support,” said Tara Calabrese, Chair of the Marion Fireworks Committee. “Perhaps most importantly, this celebration belongs to the community.”
The Marion Fireworks display is funded entirely through private donations, and its return this year is only possible because of the extraordinary generosity of residents, families, local businesses, and supporters who believed in preserving this cherished tradition.
“Every contribution, large or small, helps light up the harbor and create lasting memories for generations to come,” said Calabrese. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who stepped forward to ensure that Marion’s skies will sparkle once again this Independence Day.”
###
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.