Fireworks light up Onset Bay
Jul 8, 2018
Waiting for the firework show to begin, a girl plays with a sparkler on Onset Beach. MEGHAN NEELY
Fireworks celebrating Independence Day lit up the sky in Onset Bay on Saturday, July 7.
The event drew hundreds to the beach and downtown Onset, prompting Wareham Police to close Onset Avenue and surrounding roads to traffic for most of the evening.
"It's one of the biggest events we see," said Acting Wareham Police Chief John Walcek.
Wareham Police, Wareham Fire and Onset Fire Districts worked together to ensure the safety of firework goers from their first ever mobile command center on Union Avenue.
The command center, provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, allowed emergency personnel to have a separate dispatch specifically for the fireworks.
"You can never be too careful in today's world," said Onset Fire Chief Ray Goodwin. "And this is the best setup we've ever had."
A lack of funds had previously canceled the show, but this year the Onset Bay Association managed to raise $40,000 for the event's return.
“Clearly, the fireworks mean so much to a lot of people,” said Onset Bay Association President Kat Jones.
Leftover funds from this year's event will go towards future shows, keeping the skies over Onset patriotic and bright.
"Hundreds of man hours go into planning this event," Goodwin said. "But in the end, it's all worth it."
Waiting for the firework show to begin, a girl plays with a sparkler on Onset Beach. MEGHAN NEELY
Lili Moretti, 7, of Carver is decked out in red, white and blue for the Onset Fireworks. BY MEGHAN NEELY
From left: Nicholas Arsenule, Aaliya Kerrten, Lilliahna Dacosta, and Karissa Desmarias strike a pose beside a vendor's table. BY MEGHAN NEELY
Rebecca Stanford of Wareham and her dog Lucy collect donations for the Onset Bay Association. BY MEGHAN NEELY
Members of Wareham Police, Wareham Fire and Onset Fire stand outside of their first mobile command center. BY MEGHAN NEELY
Waiting for the fireworks, two friends take each other on in beachside lightsaber battle. BY MEGHAN NEELY
Fireworks over Onset Bay. BY ANDREW W. GRIFFITH
BY ANDREW W. GRIFFITH
BY ANDREW W. GRIFFITH
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BY ANDREW W. GRIFFITH
BY ANDREW W. GRIFFITH
