Wellington To Continue Its  Decades-Long Tradition Of Holiday Fireworks On Independence Day

By M. Dennis Taylor

As this summer brings hopes of a return to something approaching normal, the Village of Wellington is planning a community celebration to make residents feel a bit like it is an Independence Day from years past. Included in the festivities will be the presentation of what is possibly the best fireworks display available in Palm Beach County.

Assistant Community Services Director Michelle Garvey is responsible for coordinating this year’s Fourth of July celebration, which will be conducted safely outside at Village Park on Pierson Road. As of May, plans were still underway, with complete details available in June. There are still sponsorships and vendor spaces available, but the biggest news is the magnitude of the Zambelli fireworks display.

Zambelli is renowned as one of the best fireworks display providers, entertaining area residents for generations. Founded in Italy in 1893, the family-owned business is now located in Pennsylvania and has provided the spectacular shows for Wellington throughout the years. These include past celebrations of Independence Day, as well as New Year’s Eve, which is also the anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Wellington.

“Our objective is to put the most shells of anywhere in the county in the air during the 20-minute display,” Garvey said.

The celebration will be a day of family fun topped off by the impressive fireworks display. “Last year, we shot off the fireworks from two locations, but now everything will be at Village Park,” Garvey said.

The 2020 observance included fireworks but little else due to the pandemic.

This year, with restrictions eased, will be different. It will all be done safely outdoors with the restrooms sanitized frequently and sanitizing stations throughout the area. Village staff will likely be masked, but vaccinated attendees to the event are not required to wear a mask, unless regulations change.

There will be many activities that are aimed at making youngsters happy with lots of games. “There will be an obstacle course, parachute races and stilt walkers walking throughout the festivities,” Garvey said. “There will be a petting zoo with all the typical barnyard animals, plus surprises and favorites like the miniature cow.”

Food and entertainment will also be part of the experience.

“There will be lots of food trucks for a satisfying food experience, and there will be live music with the Studio 54 band,” Garvey said, adding that the entertainment will include a singing contest where winners get to sing on stage.

Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Department provides the community with exceptional parks, leisure and recreation programs that build strong, healthy lifestyles while contributing to the economic and environmental sustainability of Wellington.

Many popular activities in the usually busy department are returning to the schedule as the summer approaches. Parks & Recreation Director Eric Juckett noted that the village’s new Parks & Recreation Department newsletter has just published its first issue now that activities are gearing back up. It is frequently updated and lists the most current information on recreational activities.

“We are extremely excited to be once again offering so many programs to the residents of our community,” Juckett said. “Tell the community we are back, and we are super excited.”

The food trucks have returned to the Wellington Amphitheater on Thursday nights, along with concerts and movies on Friday and Saturday nights. Free tickets to the concerts are available on Eventbrite.

“The Wellington Community Center has opened back up, and programs and rentals have resumed,” Juckett said. “Swimming lessons in two-week classes will be taking place at the pool, tennis lessons are in the mornings, the all-day summer camps and academies have returned, and registration and availabilities are all in the newsletter on the village’s web site.

Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/july4th for updates on the Independence Day celebration. For the latest on upcoming community events, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/events.