Fireworks to light up the night at PCHS on the Fourth of July

Although there were no fireworks this week in the Town of Rye to mark the 70% first dose adult COVID-19 vaccination rate in the State of New York, there will be a display of fireworks on the Fourth of July at Port Chester High School’s John Ryan Stadium.

On June 7, the Port Chester Board of Trustees accepted a $25,000 donation from Neri’s Bakery toward the fireworks. In addition, the Town of Rye, Village of Rye Brook and Village of Port Chester each agreed to contribute $5,000 toward the Independence Day display.

Earlier in the day, Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino, Village Manager Stuart Rabin, representatives from the Port Chester Police Department and Fire Department, Recreation Superintendent Heather Krakowski and Department of Public Works General Foreman Rocco Cambareri met with Port Chester School District representatives to iron out the details of the event.

“They had a little bit of concern,” said Marino. “The CDC said no more than 500 people. It changes every day.” The school district agreed that there would be no limit to the number of people who can watch the show from their property. And, since then, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has lifted all restrictions on gathering because of the vaccination rate.

“It worked out perfect. They agreed. We are going to have the fireworks,” said Marino. “Thank you very much to Mr. Neri.”

So the Port Chester village board authorized the manager to contract with Fireworks by Grucci to ensure there will be bombs bursting in air above the Port Chester High School field to celebrate America’s independence on Sunday, July 4.

The fireworks are set to ignite around 9 p.m. The Port Chester Police Department has been posting on social media to tell interested spectators to get to the vicinity early if they don’t want to be turned away.

--Jananne Abel