| Winchester Bay, Gardiner go all out for the Fourth
By Jack Carrerow, Staff Writer
This Fourth of July, locals will again have options when it comes to viewing a fireworks show.
In Salmon Harbor, the Winchester Bay Merchants Association will be sponsoring its annual pyrotechnics extravaganza that draws a huge crowd every year.
“This is my third year as the fireworks show representative,” Patrick Paternostro said. “It’s really a great event and everyone from the merchants to the Coast Guard Auxiliary pitches in to make sure everything comes off without a hitch.”
As in years past, the fireworks will be shot off on the north end of the west spit, offering spectacular views everywhere on the harbor.
“There really isn’t a bad seat in the house,” Paternostro joked. “But people should come out early and make a day of it.”
All the merchants and restaurants will be open, Paternostro said, and there’s ample room for parking.
“A lot of people who own boats at the harbor come out and it’s just a big festive atmosphere,” Paternostro said. “It’s really a highlight event for the summer and it costs people nothing to come out and enjoy it.”
Paternostro said the fireworks will begin at around 10 p.m.
“Last year, we started a little early and the fireworks didn’t show as much,” he said. “Everything should be great as long as the fog stays away.”
A little further up the coast the town of Gardiner will also be holding its third-annual fireworks show and picnic.
Sponsored by the Friends of Gardiner Cemetery, the display will be launched from Steamboat Island.
“This is a real hometown-type celebration,” event organizer Dixie Hash said. “We’re having a potluck picnic at the south end of Front Street starting at noon,” she said.
“And then, later on, a great fireworks show that will be visible all the way up the river.”
The picnic also will include old-fashioned games with prizes donated by locals.
“We’re awarding homemade T-shirts to the winners,” Hash said.
While the Winchester Bay event is sponsored by the merchants, Hash said the Gardiner show still is looking for donations to help defray some of the costs.
“The show’s all paid for out of a few people’s pockets,” Hash said. “So, we’ll be passing the hat looking for donations from the crowd.”
Like the Winchester Bay event, Gardiner plans to kick things off at around 10 p.m.
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