East Providence celebrates Fourth of July with a bang

Annual fireworks display at Pierce Field highlights evening

By Baylee Bryden, eastbayri.com intern
Posted 7/9/18

EAST PROVIDENCE — On a beautiful Tuesday night, July 3, East Providence residents poured into Pierce Field stadium to celebrate America’s Day of Independence with the annual fireworks display and …

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East Providence celebrates Fourth of July with a bang

Annual fireworks display at Pierce Field highlights evening

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — On a beautiful Tuesday night, July 3, East Providence residents poured into Pierce Field stadium to celebrate America’s Day of Independence with the annual fireworks display and concert.

Smiling faces waited in line for delicious hot dogs, hamburgers and sweet treats. Walking into the stadium, visitors were enveloped with the sound of rock-and-roll music and the sheer excitement of the crowd. Residents represented their patriotism in colorful red, white and blue outfits. In anticipation of the fireworks, tents were selling colorful wands and toys to illuminate the night.

Spanning the field, families showed plenty of patriotism, including the St. Pierre family. When asked what was their favorite part of the celebration, they replied, “We enjoy the fireworks. The concerts and festivities are a good way to get out of the house. We are family oriented, we enjoy having picnics and celebrating the fourth.”

The Pierce fireworks display has become a fixture on the calendar for many, generations of families coming together each year for the celebration.

“This is my third generation in East Providence,” replied a member of the Poole family. “I have been a resident for 35 or 40 years. We attend every year. It started with my mother bringing me to the celebrations. Then I brought my children and grandchildren to enjoy the festivities. It is a nice family event.”

The Zegler clan has been in attendance for many years. When asked about the celebration they replied, “We always sit in the same spot. I bring my sister, her husband, grandkids, nieces, and nephews. We all come every year. Our family comes from all across Rhode Island to enjoy the fireworks and concerts.”

Music is also an integral part of the night. The band to open the Fourth of July celebration was local favorite “Kicking Hole”. “Kicking Hole” brought a lot of excitement, as the crowd cheered and danced to each song. The band members include Bill Hurley, Mike Thomas, Kevin Sheehan and Richard “Buzz” Ketz. All members of the group are residents of Riverside.

Mr. Hurley, the band’s bass player said, “I have been playing at the Fourth of July celebration in EP for eight or nine years. What I appreciate most about performing are the kids. That is why we have all the guitars and beach balls. That is what it’s all about, just hanging out with the kids and having fun. Out of all the gigs we play, this is my favorite one.”

After “Kicking Hole” rocked the stage, “Crushed Velvet” was the next. The members of this band are Joe Scolaro, Rick Pimental, Steve Howe and Richard “Buzz” Ketz.

As “Velvet” performed, some fans played air guitar while others residents danced and swayed their arms to the beat of the music. To close out their performance, “Velvet” thanked military veterans for their hard work in serving the country. They also thanked the residents for their support and great energy during the festivities.

After the last performance, the lights went out in anticipation for the fireworks. Patrons with glow sticks and wristbands illuminated the stadium as they eagerly awaited the closing event. The cheering began as fireworks burst into the air. Luminescent lights burst into the sky, proudly representing freedom and national pride.

The E.P. Fourth of July celebration signifies the nation’s freedom and independence and, almost as important, it brings together families and the residents of the city each and every year.

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