By ARCHIE MOUNTAIN
NEWPORT — Several members of the New Hampshire Pyrotechnics Association helped Newport “Blast into Summer” with two impressive fireworks displays on May 17 and 18.
Large crowds filled the runway and surrounding area at Parlin Field on both nights to witness the fireworks display. “It was estimated that about 2,000 people attended the free event on May 18 to view the display,” said Ella Casey, Executive Director of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce.
One of the members of the group involved with the fireworks estimated the Newport displays would have cost approximately $7,000 on each night had there been a charge involved.
“Our group does this two times each year at no charge,” said Ira Harmon of Cumberland, Maine. He explained how the fireworks display is set up, long before the big crowds started arriving at the airport.
Days following the displays, Newporters were continuing to talk about the success of the events. There were even positive comments coming from two members of the Newport Board of Selectmen.
Anticipating the large gatherings on both nights, The Newport Recreation Department provided a shuttle bus service from nearby Newport High School to the airport location for those who could not find parking at the airport.
To make the Saturday evening affair complete, food vendors were at the site from Farley’s Fries, Kiwanis of Claremont and Dufort’s Bakery with food.
The New Hampshire Pyrotechnics Association is a social club filled with pyrotechnic enthusiasts ranging from professional fireworks manufacturers and shooters to dedicated hobbyists who study every facet of pyrotechnics to everyday folks who enjoy shooting fireworks in a safe and legal manner.
The family fun day on Saturday also had a free bounce house for youngsters and it was a busy place from 2-8 p.m.
Setting up the fireworks display at the airport involved several members of the pyrotechnics group. Building the racks that held the tubes and setting the displays up took about three hours.
“We like to do it where people can come and look at the fireworks,” a spokesperson noted. “The airport was a good site,” he added as there were no homes in the immediate area.
Prior to the two-night displays, fireworks officials had one suggestion: “We do ask the public to not bring any glass bottles or fireworks of their own; leave the show to the professionals.”
Casey said the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Onnela Lumber, Newport Chevrolet and Noise R Us for their sponsorship and would also like to thank the Town of Newport, Newport Fire Department, Newport Police Department, Newport Recreation Department, Newport Grounds Crew and Parlin Field Airport for all working together to make this two terrific free evenings for the community.
“Working together makes all of us stronger and we appreciate the help from everyone,” Casey stated.
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