THE VALLEY — Here are some local Fourth of July fireworks and events that we’re aware of. If you’re aware of something we missed, email ValleyIndependentSentinel@gmail.com.
This list was originally posted June 3 and was updated July 25 and July 27. Make sure to scroll all the way to end.
Please note anything can change, so it’s always worth checking out the host organization’s social media, website, or giving a call if there’s a phone number provided.
The events below are listed in chronological order.
DERBY PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES AMERICA 250
From the Derby Public Library Facebook page:
Derby Public Library Celebrates Americaโs 250th Birthday on July 1st from 3 PM-4:30 PM Stop by for a classic summer celebration featuring ice cream, apple pie, and root beer floats!
Come celebrate this historic milestone with us–honoring the past, enjoying the present, and looking ahead to the future together. Enjoy a special tour of the library and learn about all the ways your library has served the community since 1902!
Event Info: https://derbypubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16510050
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
TALKING PRESIDENTS AT THE ANSONIA LIBRARY
From the Ansonia Library Facebook page:
America Turns 250-Letโs Talk Presidents!
As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, join us for a look at one of Americaโs most important institutions: the Presidency.
Thursday, July 2
6:30โ7:45 PM
Ansonia Library
Professor Hamish Lutris will explore how the office of the President was created, how it has evolved over more than two centuries, and the challenges faced by those who have held the nation’s highest office. From the Constitution to the modern day, discover how the presidency has shaped and been shaped by American history.
Whether you’re a history buff, a current events enthusiast, or simply curious about how the presidency works, this program offers a fascinating perspective as we kick off Americaโs 250th celebration.
Click the link to register: https://forms.gle/QF8tp8JXLV4QDdUE7
DERBY-SHELTON FIREWORKS
The Derby-Shelton fireworks are scheduled for Thursday, July 2, with a rain date of Sunday, July 5.
The show usually starts around 9:15 p.m. or so.
See the flyer below, which was sent by the City of Derby June 3.
Follow the City of Derby on Facebook for any changes.
Members of The Derby Elks Club, 73 Elizabeth St., will be selling food before the fireworks.
Check out the flyer below.
Want to be a vendor in downtown Derby during the fireworks?
Pamela Happy, Mayor Joseph DiMartino’s administrative assistant, is the person to talk to. She can be reached at 203 736 1450 ext 1221. (Editor’s note: we first posted this June 3)
She sent The Valley Indy the following info:
“Vendors are welcome! There will be a $100 fee (check or cash only) for a one-day special event permit.
You may apply for the permit at Derby City Hall, 1 Elizabeth Street, Derby.
Please see me in the mayorโs suite on the second floor. Vendors will be assigned locations and only vendors with carts will be allowed on Elizabeth Street. Proof of insurance is required and copies of driverโs licenses for all workers.
Your application will be submitted to Derby Police Department for approval.
Please get your permit early as there will be limited availability.”
RED WHITE & BOOM IN SEYMOUR
Meanwhile, in SEYMOUR, the town is planning a fireworks show Thursday, July 2 at Chatfield Park.
The following was posted to the First Selectwoman’s Facebook page May 30:
“Mark your calendars! Seymourโs Red, White & Boom is happening July 2 as we celebrate Americaโs 250th Birthday.
Thank you to the Seymour Parade and Events Committee and Seymour Land Trust ๏ฟผto help make this event happen.
In the coming weeks, weโll be announcing the events planned for the day and recognizing the amazing sponsors helping make this celebration possible. Stay tuned!”
Follow the town on Facebook for updates.
ROCKETS’ RED GLARE IN ANSONIA
In ANSONIA, The American Legion hosts a model rocket launch every July 4. See the flyer below for details on this year’s gathering.
QUASSY’S ‘BLAST AT THE BEACH’
The annual ‘Blast at the Beach’ is scheduled for 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 4 at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury (2132 Middlebury Road).
Click here for a report on last’s event from WFSB.
Quassy boasts a “3-D” fireworks display.
It features a a “live DJ beach party, family activities, and a spectacular 3-D fireworks display over Lake Quassapaug,” according to a marketing release.
More from the release:
Beach party admission is $20 per person and includes access to the celebration from 8 to 11 p.m. Full Season Passholders receive complimentary admission as part of their season pass benefits.
The fireworks display will begin at approximately 10 p.m. Complimentary 3-D glasses will be provided to paid beach party guests for the fireworks display. Guests throughout the park may also purchase 3-D glasses for $2, with proceeds benefiting Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort that provides cost-free vacations for critically ill children and their families.
Guests looking to enjoy a full day at Quassy before the fireworks can purchase the park’s special Fourth of July After 4 p.m. Combo Wristband for $38, which includes access to amusement rides and Splash Away Bay Waterpark attractions through the evening.
Advance tickets for Blast at the Beach are available at www.quassy.com.
OXFORD TO READ THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Oxford residents are invited to hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8 at Jackson Cove.
This following message was posted to the Town of Oxford Facebook page. If you have any questions, you must call the town at 203-906-0348.
Oxford Joins the National Reading of the Declaration of Independence!
The Town of Oxford is proud to participate in the National Reading of the Declaration of Independence, joining communities across the country in honoring the words that helped shape our nation 250 years ago.
We invite all Oxford residents to gather with us for this meaningful community tradition as we reflect on our nationโs founding and celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom, liberty, and independence.
Following the reading, stay and enjoy our FREE All-American Picnic featuring hot dogs and hamburgers, live music by Acoustic Brew, games, crafts, and a Patriotic Dessert Contest!
Wednesday, July 8
5:30 PM
Jackson Cove
26 Jackson Cove Road, Oxford, CT
This is a FREE event for Oxford residents.
Bring your family, friends, and your patriotic spirit as Oxford joins communities across America in celebrating our nationโs history and the values that continue to unite us.
AMERICA 250 TRIVIA AT SEYMOUR LIBRARY
Seymour Public Library is hosting a trivia night scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8.
The library’s address is 46 Church St.
Click here for details posted to the libray’s Facebook page.
It is a free program, but registration is required.
For more info see the flyer below or call 203 888 3903.
BEACON FALLS READS THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The following information was taken from the Beacon Falls Historial Society’s Facebook page:
READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE JULY 8, 2026
Beacon Falls will celebrate the 250th with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, which is tentatively scheduled for 6:00PM on the church green prior to the announced concert.
Across America at 6:00PM local time, cities, towns, and villages will collectively hold a Public reading of the Declaration of Independence as it was done 250 years ago. Come and celebrate our nationโs founding.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
July 3, 1776, the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence.
July 6, 1776, first public reading and newspaper publication of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.
July 8-9, 1776, copies of the Declaration of Independence reach other colonies, first public reading July 9, 1776 in New York.
July 12, 1776, News of the Declaration of Independence reaches Connecticut.
By the middle of August 1776, all thirteen colonies had received the news of our declared independence from Great Britain.
This event is being sponsored by the โBeacon Falls Celebrates Americaโs 250th Committeeโ, and the Beacon Falls Historical Society, with special thanks to the Beacon Falls Park & Rec Commission for sharing and making July 8th a special evening.