In an unprecedented turnout, more than 4,000 people attended the first annual fireworks spectacular at Fort Totten in Bayside. The July 1 event marked the return of a professional fireworks show to the area in almost 20 years.
Sponsored by Councilman Paul Vallone and the Bayside Historical Society, the 15-minute Independence Day Celebration featured fireworks by Grucci. In attendance among the thousands were Borough President Melinda Katz, Congresswoman Grace Meng, Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, former Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., and former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr.
Vending trucks were on site with a variety of foods, including Italian sausage, snacks, beverages, roasted corn, fresh lemonade, funnel cakes, and corn dogs.
Area residents had lain on beach towels and deck chairs on the great lawn in the middle of the fort to enjoy the show.
“This was an all-out success,” said Bayside Historical Society Executive Director Alison McKay. “Tonight we truly made history.”
Plans are already underway for the second annual show.