by Olivia Young

Hundreds gathered at Orchard Beach June 25 for the annual Bronx Fireworks Extravaganza, a celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday and a place to connect with community members underneath bursts of red and white that lingered in the night sky.

The event was organized by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson with the help of organizations such as the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and the Bronx Tourism Council, among others, drawing crowds from every corner of the borough. 

At more than a mile long, the only public beach in the Bronx was buzzing with New Yorkers who set up lawn chairs in the sand and along the boardwalk. Attendees waved small American flags the event staff had handed out, as well as Puerto Rican flags, or passed baseballs and footballs between friends as the sun set. Upbeat melodies boomed from a nearby stage, where music group Uptown Royalty NYC was performing.

Before the fireworks began, some, like Rigoberto Ceballos, found peace deep in the sand. He and his business partner sat around the edge of a hole in the sand, more than a foot down, that Ceballos said his son dug for him. Ceballos was born in the Dominican Republic and now lives in Pelham Bay with his family.  It was his third year at the fireworks, and he said he enjoys the lack of stress while watching the show, his feet digging in the sand.

For Santa Catalano, who was raised on Arthur Avenue and now lives in New Rochelle, the event is a tradition. Catalano said she’s been watching the fireworks at the beach for a decade, and this time she brought along her fiancé. The two set up lawn chairs a few feet from the chilly waves.

“I like seeing the reflection in the water when the fireworks go off,” Catalano said. 

Others, like Juan Rodriguez, said while the fireworks were an opportunity for festivities, the event also held a deeper meaning. Rodriguez is an Army veteran who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Bronx. Rodriguez said he wanted to show appreciation for those who have served, and encourage those on duty to stay safe and strong.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson also emphasized the importance of recognizing America’s veterans. She told The Press that to her, the U.S.’s 250th anniversary means appreciating how far the country has come, while still not shying away from the progress that needs to be made.

Keywords

Orchard Beach,

Bronx Fireworks Extravaganza,

America 250,

America’s 250th anniversary,

Fourth of July,

Independence Day,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson