Since the “first” Fourth of July back in 1777, U.S. citizens have used fireworks to signify the hope and patriotism they felt for their young country. More than 200 years later, the tradition continues and families all over the nation will gather with their friends and neighbors to watch colorful sparks fly in the sky this weekend to reflect and celebrate U.S. independence.

No matter where you choose to watch a fireworks display or crash a cookout this weekend, officials are urging residents to remember that safety comes first. Connecticut State Police will be on patrol during the holiday weekend with an increased number of troopers patrolling the highways and roads. When driving, state police advises that residents to adhere to the speed limit, wear seat belts and, as always, avoid drinking and driving.

Have safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

Darien

On Sunday, July 3, fireworks will return to the skies above Darien High School for the first time since the campus was rebuilt. Gates will open to vehicles at 6 p.m. and the display will begin at approximately 8:45 p.m. (Pedestrians will be allowed to enter before 6 p.m.) All traffic must enter the campus from Noroton Avenue. There will be nine viewing areas around the school [see map] with no access to the lower baseball fields or the stadium field. Chairs, food and drinks (except for water) are not allowed on the artificial turf field in the oval. Vendors will be on site selling food, drinks and souvenirs, but no alcoholic beverages will be permitted. The rain date is scheduled for Tuesday, July 5.

Fairfield

Head to Penfield or Jennings Beaches to watch some fireworks explode on Monday, July 4. The show starts just after dark. Beach parking permits aren't required and parking lots at both beaches will be free after 6 p.m. Show up early to hear The Atwood Express Oldies Band play at Jennings Beach from 5-7 p.m. and The Shamrogues play at Penfield Beach from 7-9 p.m. The rain date is scheduled for Tuesday, July 5. 

Greenwich

Binney Park on Sound Beach Avenue and Greenwich Point, both in Old Greenwich, are the two places to catch this year's fireworks display. The shows are scheduled for Saturday, July 2 at dusk and a rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 3. Historically, residents stake out their viewing spots at Binney Park early in the day, laying out blankets and chairs, returning in early evening for a leisurely picnic before the skies light up. At Greenwich Point, crowds gather throughout the day combining a day at the beach with cookouts, culminating with the waterfront display. There are admission restrictions at Greenwich Point. If nonresidents want to spend the day at the beach, they must purchase beach tickets ($5)and parking permits ($20) for admission between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., both of which are available at the Western Greenwich Bendheim Civic Center at Pemberwick and Glenville roads; or the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd., Old Greenwich. Tickets are not sold the gate. There aren't any admission restrictions at Binney Park.

New Canaan

The town's 31st annual fireworks will take place at Waveny Park on Monday, July 4. The festivities will include, music, food, drinks, inflatable bouncers for the kiddie and a magic show. The park will open 5 p.m. and all vehicles must enter through the main gate on South Avenue. (Lapham Road will be closed to all traffic.) Entry passes are required, which New Canaan residents should have received via mail. Otherwise, they can be purchased online or at Waveny House. The passes must be displayed on your windshield when entering the park. Pedestrians will need to enter from the high school area. Dogs, alcoholic beverages, barbeque grills, personal fireworks, sparklers and candles will not be permitted.

Norwalk

Rock 'n roll will blend perfectly with the fireworks display at Calf Pasture Beach on Sunday, July 3. The show, which starts at dusk, will be nestled in between dance music with DJ Nuzzo at Shady Beach at 6 p.m. and a performance by Big Shot — a Billy Joel tribute band — at 8 p.m. A parking fee of $20 per car will be charged for cars without a Norwalk beach sticker.

Ridgefield

Head to Ridgefield High School on Saturday, July 2 for a spectacular fireworks display sponsored by Fairfield County Bank. Parking tickets, which are $15 each, are on sale at Town Hall, Chamber of Commerce and Ancona's Market. Parking passes are required to board the shuttle bus at Barlow Mountain School. Picnic baskets are permitted, but grills and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Rowayton

The Rowayton Civic Association is sponsoring a fireworks show at Bayley Beach on Saturday, July 2. (The rain date is Monday, July 4.) The show starts at 9:15 a.m. and will last for approximately 30 minutes. For the best view, head for the mouth of Five Mile River to Rocky Point, including Bayley Beach and the shoreline clubs. Vehicles with a Bayley Beach sticker will be admitted for free, while those without a sticker will be charged a nominal fee. If you'd like to use a picnic table during the show, a lottery will be held Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. at Bayley Beach. The winning numbers will be drawn at 1 p.m.
Shelton

On Friday, July 1, Shelton Veterans Riverwalk Park will be the place to see a fireworks display. The rain date is the following evening.

Weston

Weston residents should get ready to clear their entire schedule on Monday, July 4 for the town's Family 4th Celebration at Weston Middle School. The festivities start at 11:30 a.m. with swimming at Bisceglie-Scribner Park until 6 p.m. Then head to the school at 4:30 p.m. for food, live music, a magic show, a laser show and fireworks display at 9:20 p.m. Tickets to the afternoon activities are $5 per person for ages 5 and up. There will be no seating allowed on artificial turf fields. No entry from Lords Highway after 7 p.m. will be permitted.

Westport

The Westport Police Athletic League and Westport Parks & Recreation will be holding the town's annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on Friday, July 1 at Compo Beach. Tickets, which are $30 per car, are on sale at the police station and the Parks & Recreation Office. Compo Beach will close at 4 p.m. that day to non-ticketholders. The beach will reopen as soon as all non-ticketholders have been cleared. Access to the display will be made through South Compo Road only. Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be open to residents with residences south of that intersection. Shuttle buses will be run from Longshore Park by the Marina to Compo Beach. The rain date is scheduled for Tuesday, July 5.

Wilton

The festivities at Wilton High School will start early on Monday, July 4. After a Republicans vs. Democrats softball game at 2:30 p.m., a musical performance by Shadow Act at 5:30 p.m. and a performance by the Rum Runners at 8 p.m., the fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. But don't rush home after the show's over — the Rum Runners will return for a second performance at 10 p.m. The fee is $20 per car.