By Ron VanenBoom
Once again this year, expectant on-lookers will gaze into the heavens as the night sky over Hingham comes alive in a multi-colored display of pyrotechnic wonders.
This year will be the sixth year volunteers in Hingham will sponsor their annual picnic and fireworks display.
Ray Lipp, Mayor of Hingham and head organizer of the annual event, said approximately $5,000 worth of skyrockets ranging in size up to 10 inches have been acquired for this years display.
We try to keep it pretty consistent, Lipp said of the quantity of fireworks as compared to previous years. We try to time this thing to keep it moving.
Again this year, this will be the only organized community fireworks display between Havre and Shelby, as far as Lipp knows. Chesters fireworks display was canceled three years ago due to the cost of insurance.
Past Independence Day celebrations started in mid to late afternoon in Hingham Park with barbecues and picnics arranged independently by each family.
It is not a formal, organized event, Lipp said. People start gathering in the park about 3 p.m.
The city sets up the barbecues and provides the briquettes and everyone brings their own food, Lipp said.
Games like volleyball and horse shoes also will be set up for the kids, Lipp said. He added that a normal crowd for the picnic is about 50 to 60 people.
As dark begins to set over the park, more than 200 people will start to gather near the northwest corner waiting for the show that is scheduled to begin about 10:15 or 10:30.
Young people will also use this time to begin lighting their own fireworks, Lipp said.
The main display takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete, he said.
Lipp emphasized the event was very casual and invited anyone along the Hi-Line who wants to experience the small town atmosphere and fireworks show to come on down.
Its the small town thing that has gone over well in the past, he said.
Lipp also made the point that Hingham has been relatively dry this year and mosquitoes are not a problem for those wanting to enjoy the outdoors
