News

Fireworks, other festivities set for Fourth

By Chris Cassidy
STAFF WRITER
Published: June 23, 2009

SALEM — Once again, fireworks will light up the night sky over Derby Wharf this Fourth of July.

The city announced its plans for America's birthday this week.

The fireworks will be shot over the wharf at 9:15 p.m. on the Fourth, as the Hillyer Festival Orchestra plays.

The festivities, however, begin hours earlier. At 4 p.m., the city will open Kids' Space, which will feature a DJ, dancing, games, contests, face painting, and arts and crafts. Food vending tents will also be open.

At 5 p.m., the live music starts. Opening ceremonies kick off at 7:15 p.m., with Mayor Kim Driscoll, the Salem Veteran Color Guard Units and Salem Boy Scout troops.

The city also hopes to organize a military flyover.

Then, the two-hour pops concert by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra gets underway. The Salem State College Summer Theatre cast of "Footloose" will take the stage during intermission.

Salem's Fourth of July festivities cost $60,000, but are entirely paid for through private donations, including sponsorships from Target and the Dominion power plant, Salem Harbor Station.