Designer boasts Eisenhower Park will be 'largest fireworks show ever'

Nassau County residents can celebrate the Fourth of July early with a fireworks show at Eisenhower Park on Saturday night.

"We invite you to our backyard here in Nassau County at Eisenhower Park," County Executive Edward Mangano said. "It's just a little bit bigger here, and perhaps a little bit more fun."

At a Friday news conference, Mangano announced the "Celebrate America" fireworks show at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park. The annual event is sponsored by TD Bank and presented by Grucci Fireworks.

Admission will be free, though tickets are required and are available at TD Banks throughout Nassau County.

Mangano said the show's cost to the county is minimal and the event is possible only because of TD Bank's sponsorship.

In a sneak peak of the show, several fireworks were launched into the morning sky at the news conference Friday. Felix Grucci, the show's designer, said that many changes had been made to the program. "Tomorrow night's fireworks show will be the region's largest fireworks show ever," Grucci said.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with the show starting at darkness -- which is expected to be after 9 p.m.

A capacity crowd is expected and early arrival is recommended because the main lawn holds 8,000 to 10,000 people. After this area is filled, other parts of the park will be opened.

Attendees should bring blankets and chairs because there is no formal seating.

EVENTS ON SATURDAY, JULY 2

TD Bank celebrates America

WHEN, WHERE: Fireworks at dusk, after 9 p.m.; gates open at 5:30 p.m.; concert at 7:30 p.m. featuring Bon Jovi tribute band Slippery When Wet; Eisenhower Park, Stewart and Merrick avenues, East Meadow; concert at parking field 6

INFO: 516-572-0200, www.nassaucountyny.gov

TICKETS: Free, required for entry, available at TD Bank stores

Stars and Stripes Festival

WHEN, WHERE: 9 p.m. (festival is noon-11 p.m.), along Main Street at the waterfront, East Rockaway (rain date is July 3)

INFO: 516-887-6300, villageofeastrockaway.org

BEST VIEWING: Main Street, bottom of Ocean Avenue, East Rockaway

ADMISSION: Free

Sag Harbor Yacht Club

WHEN, WHERE: 9 p.m., Sag Harbor Yacht Club, 27 Bay St., Sag Harbor

INFO: 631-725-0567 sagharboryc.com

BEST VIEWING: Anywhere along the waterfront in the Village of Sag Harbor

St. Anthony's Feast and Festival

WHEN, WHERE: At dusk, about 9 p.m. July 2 (fireworks rain date July 3), Trinity Regional School, 1025 Fifth Ave., East Northport

INFO: 631-499-6824, newtonshows.com

BEST VIEWING: Inside festival grounds, outside views obstructed by trees

ADMISSION: $12 pay-one-price ticket

Riverhead Raceway

WHEN, WHERE After dusk (during break from racing, which starts at 6 p.m.), 1797 Old Country Rd./Route 58, Riverhead

INFO: 631-842-7223, riverheadraceway.com

BEST VIEWING: Inside the raceway, no on-street parking available

ADMISSION: $30, $5 ages 6-12

Feast of St. Anthony

WHEN, WHERE: 10 p.m. July 2 (rain date 10 p.m. July 3), St. Brigid/Our Lady of Hope Regional School, 101 Maple Ave., Westbury

INFO: 516-334-0021

BEST VIEWING: Inside the festival grounds

ADMISSION: Free

Greenport Fireman's Carnival

WHEN, WHERE: 10 p.m. Saturday and Monday at baseball field of Greenport High School, 720 Front St., Greenport

INFO: 631-477-9801

BEST VIEWING: Behind Greenport High School and from Polo Grounds next door

ADMISSION: Free