By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON — Residents never have to double-check calendars for which night will include the city’s annual Independence Day fireworks display. Parks and Recreation Director Joann Gonyea said the annual event will be and always has been held on its proper day, July 4.
“It’s the biggest show in the state on the Fourth,” Gonyea said. “There are some that are larger, but not on the Fourth itself.”
Adherence to tradition is one hallmark of the event, dating back to when the ritual featured only a small display put on by the Fire Department. Two years ago the spectacle was enhanced with a soundtrack for a “pyro musical” presentation which continues with this year’s event at Rotary Park.
The park grounds at Harrison Avenue and Riverside Drive are expected to again be at capacity, but Gonyea said the impressive spectacle can be seen — and heard — from Elizabeth Park and elsewhere.
“The crowds have increased from what we used to have,” Gonyea said. “People watch the show from all up and down the Detroit River.”
For those not at Rotary Park, the event will be simulcast on KLOV-FM 98.3 beginning at dusk.
The soundtrack to a pyro-musical, Gonyea said, is more than just background music.
“The entire show is choreographed to music,” Gonyea said.
Gonyea said the city welcomed the opportunity to expand the event when Fritz Enterprises offered to sponsor the elaborate display.
“Fritz was interested and had the resources to help us make it a larger, more spectacular display,” Gonyea said. “It was an opportunity to bring in something different.”
As long as it’s held on the Fourth of July.
For more information on the event go to www.trentonmi.org.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].)