One of New Canaan’s most cherished community events—the Fourth of July fireworks and picnic—will be held July 4 at Waveny.
Ahead of the widely anticipated event, we put some questions to its chair, David Shea.
Here’s our exchange.
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New Canaanite: This year’s Fourth of July fireworks and picnic at Waveny are happening on July 4 itself. Talk a little about this history of this New Canaan tradition.
David Shea: The Town of New Canaan fireworks celebration began in 1980 and over the past 44 years has become a traditional community event. Over the years we have had hot air balloons, drone visitations, Minutemen reenactments and a COVID cancellation. The image of the town’s celebration was beautifully captured in a painting by then resident Brian Kammerer (see image at right). The July 4th celebration has become the gift New Canaan gives itself.
How is the event supported and how can residents make sure funds are in place for future years?
No taxpayer funds are spent on this event. The Town of New Canaan Fireworks Celebration is entirely funded through the sale of park entrance passes, generous donations from residents and ancillary income from the sale of ice cream and branded apparel. Residents can support the July 4th fireworks by making an additional donation when buying a pass or by buying a pass even if they are not planning to be in town for the celebration. We have two rain dates, but If the fireworks are ultimately cancelled due to inclement weather the 2025 passes will be accepted at the 2026 event.
What about volunteer opportunities? What can locals do to help out?
The Fireworks Planning Committee is recruiting new leadership for the 2026 celebration and beyond. We are seeking creative individuals with organizing talent to help maintain this beloved community tradition going for decades to come. Interested residents should contact the Town Fireworks Chairperson David Shea at dshea1055@yahoo.com.
Please share any deadlines that residents should know.
Residents that wish their entrance passes to be mailed to them have until Friday June 20th to buy their pass at the town’s Parks & Recreation Department website. Passes bought online between June 21st and July 2nd must be picked up at the Parks & Recreation Department. After this Friday the passes can be purchased daily at the Parks & Rec Waveny House office, the Benko Pool, Walter Stewart’s and every Saturday at pop-up locations in town.
What else, if anything, would you like to say about the town’s Fourth of July celebration?
All information about the event including food trucks, rain dates, timetable, Do’s&Don’t’s, etc. can be accessed via the QR Code above on left.