By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

With Independence Day fast approaching, the Town of Berlin is gearing up for its annual fireworks display on July 3, to be visible throughout the municipality’s limits.

Berlin will host its fireworks show one day before the Fourth of July, as has been a tradition for many years. On July 3, the colorful, sparkling lights will launch from Heron Park around 9 p.m. The explosives will illuminate the sky for approximately 20 minutes.

According to Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, the town hosts its patriotic display the day before actual Independence Day, as folks typically have the following day, the Fourth of July, off from work. This allows parties to last a bit longer, which is conducive to the fireworks’ 9 p.m. start time.

“Historically, we have always held our fireworks celebration on July 3, because there are a lot of backyard barbecues, parties, and family get-togethers,” she said. “Knowing that people have July 4 off, the parties can run a little bit later since the fireworks don’t start until after 9 p.m. Everyone has the next day off. We like to have a party here in Berlin.”

Berlin residents typically watch the show from different spots around the area, like SonRise Church or their backyards, as the town’s agreement with firework provider, SkyShooter Displays of Pennsylvania, stipulates that the explosives shoot high enough to be seen throughout most sites within the town’s limits.

“We contract with the fireworks company specifically for our show to be as high up in the air as possible so people from all over the town can see them,” Wells said. “You don’t have to actually go to Heron Park to watch the fireworks because there won’t be anything low to the ground, so that you won’t miss anything. We intentionally have the fireworks high to allow the most visibility around town.”

Wells added that the Town of Berlin avoids using sparklers and other limited-height explosives so that no one misses out. The whole 20-minute show can be enjoyed from anywhere in Berlin, specifically residences, as barbecues and at-home parties are a staple of the American holiday.

SonRise Church is also a popular spot for Berlin locals to catch the fireworks show. As a sponsor of the event, SonRise Church hosts a variety of children’s activities and offers food as families come out to enjoy the Independence Day tradition.

In the case of rain, the fireworks will still be lit off. However, Wells notes that if the weather is dangerous or threatening, the illumination display will be postponed and added to another upcoming event. If this were to occur, the town would communicate the time and date to residents when determined.

Currently, the town plans for the annual fireworks display to go off on July 3 without a hitch.

“It’s a wonderful time in Berlin,” Wells said. “Come down, get some dinner, grab some ice cream at Island Creamery, and enjoy the fun. It’s the way for the Town of Berlin to give back to the community.”