Henry Park, Downtown Rockville are the Hosts Again For July in the Sky

On July 2, Vernon's annual fireworks display - July in the Sky - will again feature celebrations at both Henry Park and Downtown Rockville. It is generally regarded as one of the biggest Fourth of July related events in the state.

The festivities are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at both locations. The fireworks display - shot off from the Fox Hill Tower area of Henry Park, is slated for approximately 9:40 p.m.

The Rockville Bank Foundation and Price Chopper/Kraft are major sponsors.

McDonald's is again sponsoring a barbecue for event workers and Hidden Dragon and the Police Explorers are helping with traffic control under the direction of the Vernon Police Department.

The parks and Recreation Department and the Rockville Community Alliance coordinate the event at Henry Park and Downtown Rockville, respectively.

Cars can park inside Henry Park at a cost of $5 per car. People walking to the park will be asked for a $1 donation, and all funds collected will be used to offset the cost of the display.

Here is the schedule for the Henry Park portion of the annual July in the Sky fireworks celebration:

6 p.m. - Gates open

6 - 9:30 p.m. -   Food served at “Food Court” located near Horowitz Pool

6 - 9:30 p.m.  - Glow toys sold by Teen Center

6:15 -9:15   “Fun Zone” on McCoy baseball field

6:30-7:30 p.m. -  Beyond Dance performance

7:30 - 9:15 p.m. - Outline Alaska, local High School Band

8:30 p.m. -  National Anthem, sung by Dennis Nevins

9:40 p.m. (approximate) - Fireworks

Here are a few tips for viewing in and near Henry Park:

• ARRIVE EARLY at Henry Park to take advantage of the parking ($5 per car) available and   to select   a preferred seating location, and bring blankets and chairs to assure comfortable seating.

• Visitors CANNOT LEAVE until the show is over, which is approximately 10 p.m. Cars will be boxed in.

• NO PETS!!!! Pets will not be allowed into the Parks.

• Henry Park will close at 4 p.m. for all recreational activities.

• Tower Road will be closed at 10 a.m., there will be no foot traffic or vehicles allowed.

• NO BICYCLES, NO SKATEBOARDS allowed in the park.

• NO FIREWORKS, NO SPARKLERS allowed

• NO ALCOHOLIC beverages allowed in the Park.

6 – 9 p.m.: Giant Inflatables, Climbing Wall, Carnival-type games, Face painting & Food Court.

6 p.m. - Welcome to July in the Sky

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. - Corey Hutchins tap/jazz band – kids learn to tap dance!

7 – 7:15 p.m. - Lunging Tiger demonstration

7:15 – 7:30 p.m. - Judging of parade contestants

7:35 – 7:40 p.m. - National Anthem,  sung by Dennis Nevins

7:40 – 8 p.m. - The annual Push, Pedal, Pull Patriotic Parade

8 – 8:05 p.m. - Announcement of parade winners

8:05 – 8:30 p.m. - Music

8:30 – 9:40 p.m. - South Windsor Community Band

9:40 p.m. (approximate) - Fireworks

Pets will not be allowed in the fenced-off area of Downtown Rockville. Skateboards, scooters and bicycles will be allowed only for the parade