Wareham kicked off America's 235th birthday celebration with the annual Onset-Wareham fireworks display on Saturday, July 2.

The sunny, near-80 degree weather couldn't have been more perfect. Beach-goers were out in droves Saturday morning and thousands of visitors steadily made their way into Onset throughout the day.

The 20-minute fireworks display costs roughly $20,000 to put on. The Onset Bay Association, Wareham Village Association, and Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce all helped raise funds for the event.

Seven employees from Atlas PyroVision Productions spent eight hours at Shell Point setting up for the show. This particular show contained 1,100 fireworks shells.

"Every show's a little different," said Wayne Magni, lead technician for the company.

Because Onset's event takes place on the beach where trees do not obstruct views of the fireworks, the company was able to use lower "ground displays" to accent the light show in the sky, Magni said.

"We like to have fun," he continued, adding that the crew's goal is to hear lots of noise from the crowd during the display. "If they're cheering, we did our job."

Speaking during the few remaining hours of daylight - and the home stretch of the set-up process - Magni predicted the crew would spend a couple of hours cleaning the area after the big display.

"It's a lot easier to clean up than to set up," Magni noted. "It's obliterated!"

Scroll down to view our video slideshow of the event!

America's birthday party continues in Wareham throughout the weekend. Here's what else is going on!

Sunday, July 3

The 4th Annual Onset Youth Center Family Fun Day will kick off at 10 a.m. at Lopes Field, located off of Onset Avenue. A $2 entrance fee will grant you access to games, pony rides, face painting, balloon animal making, a moon bounce, and more.

The National Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Wareham Fire Department, and Onset Fire Department will be in attendance. Smokey the Bear will also make an appearance.

All the funds raised from Family Fun Day will benefit the construction of the new Onset Youth Center.

Round out your Sunday with America's favorite pastime. The Wareham Gatemen will take on Bourne at 5 p.m. at Spillane Field, located across the parking lot from Town Hall on Marion Road. 

Monday, July 4

Independence Day itself is not lacking in activities. The Wareham Historical Society is hosting its 3rd annual Old Time Fiddle Contest on Monday, July 4 at 10 a.m. at the Congregational Church Fellowship Hall located on Gibbs Avenue.

Divisions include the Junior Junior Division for children ages 12 and younger, the Junior Division for children ages 13 to 18, and the Open Division.
Each contestant will play two old-time tunes of their choice. In case of a tie there will be a one-tune playoff.
Judges will be looking for the best traditional old-time fiddle players. Styles could include New England Dance, Down East, Canadian, Southern U.S., British Isles, etc. No electric or amplified instruments are allowed.

Continuing an Independence Day tradition on Monday, the Historical Society will host a fair and antiques show on the town green at Main Street and Gibbs Avenue from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Packed onto the green will be a variety of antique vendors and their wares, including furniture, old photos and maps, curiosities and more.

Also on Monday, the First Congregational Church of Wareham will host an indoor/outdoor yard sale8  a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located at 11 Gibbs Avenue. The event will include a bounce house for children. Call Sarah at 508-273-7623 or e-mail fellowshiphallwareham@gmail.com for more information.

Got photos from the various Independence Day weekend activities around Wareham? We want to see them! Send them to jaime@warehamweek.com and we'll add them to an online photo gallery for all to see!