Annual TD Bank spectacular fireworks show “Celebrate America,” with a behind the scenes tour before the show on Saturday, June 29. County Executive Curran was joined by Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, Nassau County Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Museums Eileen Kreib, Eric Fishon, Vice President of U.S. Field Marketing Strategy at TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, and Phil Grucci, CEO and creative director of Grucci Fireworks.
To commemorate our nation’s Independence Day, TD Bank is once again sponsoring the “Celebrate America” Fireworks show at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park. The show is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, with fireworks set to be presented by the Long Island-based Grucci family. The celebrations commence with a performance by 45 RPM and the School of Rock.
“I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to TD Bank for their generous support, which makes our outstanding Independence Day celebration possible every year,” said County Executive Curran. “Our annual Fireworks Show and Concert here in Eisenhower Park is a great opportunity for all Long Islanders to come together and enjoy an unforgettable experience.”
“The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our independence with family, friends and neighbors,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Ryder. “With regard to illegal fireworks, the improper use can often lead to serious unintended injuries to the individual using the fireworks and spectators. If you are found to be in the possession of fireworks, you pose the risk of being arrested and incarcerated. Let the professionals do what they do best and enjoy a fireworks show that is safe and memorable for you and your smoky. In addition to fireworks safety, the police department will be taking a zero tolerance approach toward operating a motor vehicle or boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. I wish all a happy and healthy holiday.”
“Supporting fun, family events not only supports the community, but also allows the public to experience the Unexpectedly Human TD Bank brand,” said Lisa Holland, market president of Suburban NY TD Bank. “As part of TD’s corporate citizenship platform—The Ready Commitment—we are helping to build more inclusive and connected communities by supporting the local organization, Paws of War, as they provide veterans suffering from PTSD with dogs when returning home. At TD Bank we strive to be the better bank by building on our commitments to customers, employees, and the communities we serve.”
“We are honored to collaborate with TD Bank & Nassau County for our 16th year in producing an exciting Independence Day week kickoff for the people of Nassau County,” said Phil Grucci, CEO and creative director of Fireworks by Grucci. “I can remember back to when I was 6 years old with my grandfather when he displayed in Eisenhower Park and to continue that tradition brings great pride to our family.”
With many residents celebrating Independence Day in the coming days, County Executive Curran, the Nassau County Police Department and the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office, would like to remind residents that fireworks awareness and prevention are important issues to discuss with their families. The possession, use or sale of fireworks, including sparklers, is a violation of New York State Penal Law, and may be punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony. Parents should talk with their children about the destructive outcomes that can occur from playing with fireworks.
Fourth of July fireworks, although popular, can be extremely harmful. Fireworks statistics indicate that:
- According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, an estimated 12,900 injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2017. Sixty-seven percent of these fireworks-related injuries occurred during the 1-month period between June 16 and July 16, 2017.
- Approximately 16 percent of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, with the majority of these injuries occurring to young children.
- Most of these injuries happen at the victims’ homes. Fireworks can cause life threatening residential fires.
- Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 36 percent of the estimated 2017 injuries. Fifty percent of the estimated emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries were to individuals younger than 20 years of age.
There are many licensed professionals that perform fireworks presentations for the public, such as the “Celebrate America” show that takes place at Eisenhower Park. County Executive Curran would like to wish the residents of Nassau County a happy and safe July Fourth holiday.
The Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre is an outdoor theatre located near parking fields 6 and 6A in Eisenhower Park. Special accommodations are available for disabled patrons, including reserved parking, easily accessible restrooms, and a convenient reserved location on the hill. Assistive hearing devices are available for the hearing impaired. There is no formal seating at Lakeside Theatre, so concertgoers are urged to bring folding chairs. If weather conditions are doubtful, call 516-572-0355 after 7 p.m. for updated performance information.
Eisenhower Park is centrally located in East Meadow, with entrances on Hempstead Turnpike at East Meadow Avenue and at the intersection of Stewart and Merrick Avenues. For further information, call the Nassau County Parks Public Information Office at 516-572-0200 or visit the Nassau County Parks, Recreation and Museum website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks.