For many Four Beaches residents, the annual East Haven Independence Day fireworks display is the highlight of the summer. In preparation for the event, East Haven Mayor Josheph Carfora announced the season opening of the Town Beach, seasonal clean up of the area, and renovation of the beach side Bocce courts. This year, the town will hold the event on Sunday, June 26, one day later than previously announced. The Independence Party Day at the East Haven Town Beach will once again begin at noon, with a lineup of four bands and an array of food vendors. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.

The annual party is spearheaded by the local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and supported by the town, which assists the VVA with fundraising. Members of the VVA have been collecting donations at area Dunkin Donuts outlets.

“It’s funded 100 percent by donations,” explained Michelle Benivegna, East Haven Assistant Director of Administration and Management.

“Last year we exceeded the amount needed,” said Benivegna. When that happens, the funds are put aside for the following year’s event.

Donations may be made by check and mailed to East Haven Town Hall, 250 Main Street 06512, to the attention of Benivegna or VVA Fireworks. Checks may be made out to the VVA or Town of East Haven.

Beginning at 9 a.m., access to Town Beach will be limited, with Cosey Beach Avenue closed from Second Avenue to Philips Street. Coe Avenue will be closed from Bradford Street to the beach. East Haven Police Department officers will post notices and direct motorists in the Town Beach area.

Bands performing this year are the Wednesday Bowling League, Start Me Up, Nu Groove; and Wanted DOA. The Wednesday Bowling League will kick off the festivities. They describe themselves as a classic rock and roll band with an emphasis on dance music. The 2:00 - 4:00 time slot will feature Start Me Up, a Rolling Stones tribute band. Fresh from filming the Clash of the Tributes TV series, the group will provide the “ultimate Rolling Stones tribute.”

The Nu Groove band will perform R&B music from 5:00 - 7:00, and Wanted DOA will finish out the evening showcasing classic Bon Jovi tunes until 9:00 p.m. - 15 minutes before the fireworks begin.

Both The Sandpiper and Lobster Shack restaurants will be open for business. In addition 5-6 food trucks will also provide alternative dining options.

The Shoreline Prime food truck, which “specializes in the Shoreline Prime famous steak tips” and Nutmeg Concessions, an “outdoor food” provider, have already been booked for the event. Benivegna hopes to secure a raw food bar, fried dough, and corn dog food trucks as well.

“There will pretty much be something for everyone,” she explained. “It certainly will be a day of fun,” said Benivegna. “We’re anticipating a good turnout and a beautiful display.” Every year, she added, the event is a “huge success.”

FOUR BEACHES PREPARATION

Four Beaches residents are encouraged to plan ahead for the busy day. Each unit is allowed 2 parking passes for guests, but please note that parking is limited and first come, first served. This is a popular event, so please encourage guests to carpool if at all possible. You may now pick up passes at the Greeters Station. Residents must distribute passes to your guests yourself.

A few parking spaces will be taped off in each garage for residents who may be returning from work or vacation that evening. Please do not remove the tape and park in these spaces unless you are one of these late-arriving residents.

The rain date, which will include “limited entertainment and fireworks,” will be Monday, June 27.