Fireworks remain synonymous with Fourth of July celebrations and Delaware has plenty of pyrotechnics adorning First State skies Friday.
While some special events, like the Fireworks Express to Hockessin require reservations, many of the state’s cities and towns are packed with free fireworks shows to mark the holiday.
In Dover, an estimated crowd of 15,000 thousand people are expected to gather on the Legislative green to hear the U.S Army Band of the Delaware National Guard perform patriotic tunes punctuated with genuine canon fire leading up to the main event.
Meanwhile, the state’s largest fireworks display will be set off over Rehoboth Beach.
In Delaware's largest city, the pyrotechnics can be viewed over the Wilmington Riverfront.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal's office is urging both residents and visitors to leave the lighting of fireworks to the professionals.
The possession or sale of fireworks is illegal in the First State.
Here's a list of fireworks displays around Delaware:
Legislative Hall – Dover
Fireworks will take place over Legislative Hall at approximately 9:25 on Friday night. Contact www.dover4thofJuly.com or (302) 674-7579 for more information.
4th of July Fireworks – Rehoboth Beach
The Rehoboth Beach Main Street (RBMS) Fireworks will take place Friday at approximately 9:15 p.m. The Jolly Trolley and DART buses will run from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. for transportation in and out of the city. Visit www.downtownrehobeth.com or call (302) 227-2772 for more information.
Fireworks – Bethany Beach
The threat of poor weather has postponed fireworks until Saturday when they will begin at dusk. Expect delays on Route 1 and in the Town of Bethany Beach after dusk. For additional information, visit www.townofbethanybeach.com or call (302) 539-8011.
Fireworks - Elsmere
Fairgrounds Park, Filbert & Dover Avenues - event begins at 4pm on July 5th. Fireworks show at dusk. For more info, visit elsmere.delaware.gov
Fireworks Express to Hockessin on the Wilmington and Western Railroad
The Fireworks Express to Hockessin will take passengers into Hockessin for fireworks Friday night. Reservations are required for the event, which begins at 7 p.m. Park at the Greenbank Station in Wilmington, and please allow four hours for the train ride and fireworks show. Tickets run from $16-$20, with free admission for children under 2. Visit http://www.wwrr.com/events/fireworks.aspx or call (302) 998-1930 for more information.
4th of July Fireworks - Hockessin
Neighborhood relays begin at 7:45 a.m. at Piedmont Fields. Parade on Old Lancaster Pike begins at 3 p.m. Fireworks at Swift Park begin at dusk. For more information, visit www.hockessin4thofjuly.org
Fireworks - Middletown
Middletown Jaycee’s Parade at 10am. Fireworks display at dusk at Silver Lake Park. Non-profit groups will be selling food and 4th of July novelties 6 to 9pm. Or, just bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy your own picnic basket. Pets and open fires are not allowed in the Park. 378-2711 or visit www.middletownde.org.
Fourth of July Fireworks and Liberty Day – Newark
A July 4th celebration will take place from 6-9 p.m. on the University of Delaware campus on Friday. The fireworks will be set off over UD’s David M. Nelson Athletic Complex, but can be viewed throughout the area. For more information and weather updates call (302) 366-7147.
Fireworks - Smyrna
Fireworks at dusk at the Little League fields, Duck Creek Parkway. For more info, visit scjuly4.com
Fourth of July Celebration – Wilmington
Fireworks will begin at dusk at Tubman Garret Riverfront Park in Wilmington Friday. Other festivities begin at 2 p.m. Visit http://www.wilmingtonde.gov/visitors/july4th for more information.
Dewey Beach Fireworks on the Bay
Fireworks set off from Rehoboth Bay at dusk Friday will be visible from any bayside bar or restaurant in Dewey. Contact 227-3888 for more information.