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Chester’s 2013 Independence Day fireworks show delights

| 08 Jul 2013 | 01:44
    In back, Kristen Bonitz, Eugene Stolowski, front: Kaitlin, Kailey, showing off her fried dough, and Briana Stolowski. The food line is already forming behind them, while they wait for the Chester fireworks show to begin.
    In back, Kristen Bonitz, Eugene Stolowski, front: Kaitlin, Kailey, showing off her fried dough, and Briana Stolowski. The food line is already forming behind them, while they wait for the Chester fireworks show to begin.
    In front, left to right, Kassidy, Coryn and Brianna Gowans, in back, Kevin Pierron, and more Gowans-Jimmy, Donald, Karen, David and Justin, far right, have a good viewing spot for the fireworks. Others are perched on the sidewalk along Main Street, in background.
    In front, left to right, Kassidy, Coryn and Brianna Gowans, in back, Kevin Pierron, and more Gowans-Jimmy, Donald, Karen, David and Justin, far right, have a good viewing spot for the fireworks. Others are perched on the sidewalk along Main Street, in background.
    "The bombs bursting in air" light up the night sky at the 2013 Chester 4th of July fireworks display.
    "The bombs bursting in air" light up the night sky at the 2013 Chester 4th of July fireworks display.
    "And the rockets red glare..."
    "And the rockets red glare..."

Chester — The free fireworks show celebrating our nation's independence last Saturday in Chester was the kind of down-home event that makes everyone smile. Folks began arriving early to get a the best viewing spots, butall spots had a great view to offer, whether up on the sidewalk along Main Street or perched near the former Maple Avenue High School or in grassy Carpenter’s field. Chairs and blankets were everywhere, but there was plenty of room. Friends and neighbors greeted each other happily, while children laughed and ran about playing Frisbee or catch or twirling light sticks. The Chester fire department provided hamburgers, hot dogs, cool drinks and that perennial favorite of summer — fried dough with powdered sugar. Town of Chester Supervisor Steve Neuhaus thanked everyone who made the event possible, including Suburban Propane, the Chester Fire Department (Trout Brook, Walton and Sugar Loaf Companies) and the Chester village and town police. With only a short time to go before all settled in to watch the show, a dreaded announcement came — they were all out of fried dough. Not to worry, though, once the show started, amazement and happiness reigned.

At the finale, set to the music of the 1812 overture, the fireworks were even more magnificent. The audience applauded to show its appreciation. Then it was time to go and the slow cavalcade of cars made their way back home.