2009 4th of July Hometown Fireworks at Shea Stadium

Thanks to the dedication of the Norwood Fireworks Committee, headed by Jane Grote, and the generosity of the Carl H. Lindner family and many local businesses and individuals,** the 6th Annual Norwood Hometown Fireworks is set to explode this Saturday, July 4 at Shea Stadium at approximately 8:30 p.m. But you’ll want to get there early for all the pre-fireworks fun and games the committee has lined up to entertain the entire family, starting with B105 FM Radio’s show from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in front of the stadium where they’ll be doing lots of give-aways. Inside the stadium, also from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Norwood resident Jim Brock with Jeb’s DJ Service will be entertaining everyone who comes early to get a seat.

But wait, there’s more - much, much more! Fireworks Committee member Casey Brown tells us, “The Norwood Community Choir, under the direction of Judy White, will be singing patriotic songs during the fireworks program. Then we will have our fun “Master of the Fireworks” program presented by Lois and Victor Schneider. This has really become a fun part of our program. Lois Schneider (Victor’s mom!) gets all of Norwood’s elementary school kids entered in a drawing by school, and then draws finalists names from each school. 20 kids are chosen as finalists. She has great gift bags for all the finalists, and then from these finalists she draws a name. That child gets a 6-month family membership to the Richard E. Lindner Family YMCA and the opportunity to “push the button” to start the fireworks! We have some adult “kids” who designed a rocket that the winner launches off the center of the football field, immediately followed by our fireworks show.”

The Wings of Wonder are back for the 3rd year, bringing 3 birds to show off. Casey says “They bring a hawk, usually an eagle, and then Jane Grote’s favorite, the 4th of July penguin! The penguin is the cutest, but a bit smelly! Also, our local National Guard will provide demonstration equipment, including a simulator in a Humvee with turrets that spin around. People will be able to get inside and actually do a battleground simulation."

And last, but not least, be sure to stop by and visit the booths of Citizens on Patrol, Norwood High School, and the Norwood Girl Scouts, who will be fundraising with something to sell.

When: Saturday, July 4, 6:30 p.m. ‘til after the fireworks at dusk
Where: Shea Stadium, 2603 Harris Avenue
Food and beverages: Athletic Boosters and the Boy Scouts will have separate booths.
Fun extras: Clowns doing face painting and balloon animals; moonwalkers out front for the kids
Master of Ceremonies: The inimitable Steve Thornbury
More information: 396-6683

**No city funds are used to pay for this event. The event is paid for through the generosity of Carl Lindner and many Norwood businesses and individuals. The Norwood Fireworks Committee is required to get all applicable city and school permits (the schools do not charge us to use Shea Stadium, we only pay for maintenance personal ) and pay for our own police coverage. Some of our featured entertainment and attendees, like the Norwood Community Choir and the National Guard, donate their time to participate, but additional entertainment is paid to make the event fun for all ages.