Fireworks Go Off Without a Hitch

The Village of Scarsdale is well known for its beloved fireworks display and it didn't disappoint on Thursday night June 30, when the brilliant splashes of colored light were accompanied by other patriotic symbols in commemoration of independence 240 years ago.

Some 2,500 people came out to see spectacular fireworks rise into nighttime sky accompanied by music from the Westchester Band. "We love music," said Ken Hesselbacher. "I love noise, and chaos, and excitement."

While the fireworks show started at 9:15 pm, residents of Scarsdale and surrounding communities streamed in hours earlier to secure a good vantage point around the big pool. Every patch of grass nearby was covered with towels or lawn chairs. With the temperature a moderate 73 degrees, children capered around, playing with light-up toy wands and swords and the area was filled with chatter and music. The number of spectators exceeded the count in the last few years.

One attraction that seemed to please was the Westchester Band, directed by Alan Hollander. The Westchester Band has not been able to make it to the Fireworks Spectacular in the past five or six years because of other commitments. The band started playing at 8:00, and through the evening beautifully recited excerpts from Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and other musical favorites.

"I like the music as it's going into the night," said Eric Collins, a visiting Pelham resident. It may have been too much for some, like John Macisco, a Scarsdale resident since 1971 and a faithful attendee of the pool fireworks. There was a "little bit of competition from the band," he said. While he thought the fireworks and the band clashed over both sound and splendor, his final assessment was that it was a "very enjoyable evening." The rest of the crowd was won over too. A dazzling splash of bright colors and shimmering lights illuminated the night sky and silenced the spectators for fifteen minutes. There were more fireworks this year, resulting in a longer show.

"Everyone comes out, everyone comes together," said Jennifer Weinberg. "It's a nice community event." Indeed, many Scarsdale residents gathered in the same place to enjoy a brilliant evening.

The Scarsdale Pool followed up by hosting a Carnival Day on Monday, July 4th. This small children's fair ran from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and had various events for younger children scattered throughout the grounds.

The weather was cooperative: clear blue skies and 81 degrees. While the kids participated, many of their parents relaxed in the shade.

In the recreational area, near the volleyball court, stood a large inflatable bounce slide. It never drew much attention; the highlight was the face-painting table. Manned by high-school and college age pool staff, children flocked to the table near the dining area to have US flags, butterflies, and other animals drawn on their faces. The paint came off easily in the water, but they still contributed to a holiday spirit.

Freestyle swim races were held in the big pool at 12:00, and children from 5-12 participated. Everyone was awarded a ribbon for their efforts. A half hour later, kids waded and paddled around the small and medium pools in hunts for pennies. Dozens of coins were tossed into the pool for the children to collect. Shortly afterward were kick boarding competitions, with children racing the width of the pool to earn ribbons.

Parent-child relay races kicked off forty-five minutes later, and were followed at 2:15 by inner tube races. Perhaps it was these thrilling competitions that produced the positive vibes in the pool area. Maybe it was the basketball events. At 2:00, the foul shooting contest took place. On the basketball court, kids competed to see who could score the most foul shots. It was a great segway to a diving pool basketball dunk contest scheduled to follow. This would normally be prohibited in the diving pool, but the circumstances of this special day allowed for these celebrations to take place.

Photos and text by SHS student Adam Regenstreif