Residents Recall Past Star-Spangled Blasts, Hope Fireworks Will Return

Smithtown residents know if they want to watch fireworks light up the skies this Fourth of July, they'll have to get in a car and drive. 

This wasn't always the case. 

Patch asked its Facebook fans, "Speaking of fireworks, do you think Smithtown should put on a show? When was the last time you saw fireworks in Smithtown?" 

Reader Maria Richiusa Colombo commented, "Wish they would. Something just for Smithtown residents and their families...perhaps on the beach would be so nice." 

However, we were surprised to learn that there used to be not one, not two but possibly three local fireworks shows people remembered seeing. 

"When they had the hauppauge firemans fair," said Smithtown Patch reader Gregory Glick, recalling where he last saw fireworks. 

"I loved the firemans fair!," wrote Patch  reader Lisa Procaccini. 

Procaccini and Susan Markowitz both remembered heading to Hauppauge High School to watch a local fireworks display in the 1970s. 

The Hauppauge School District still hosts a local firework show as part of its annual Homecoming celebrations, usually in October, for students and their families. 

However, Smithtown Patch reader Tom Gross remembered a fireworks show much closer to Smithtown's Main Street. 

"Probably in the late 1960's at the Maple Avenue Park, and yes Smithtown should do it again," Gross commented. 

Reader Karen Governales Gelles asked if others remembered a fireworks show at the nearby Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove around 1990. 

Yet, a few residents put down the idea of reviving the tradition of a local fireworks display. 

"Absolutely not,too expensive," wrote Patch reader Peter Devine. 

It might still be cheaper to carpool to another firework display. 

Tell us, would you support a local fireworks display in the Smithtown area? If so, where would you like to see it?