Having a Blast on the Fourth

Massapequa Park sure knows how to throw a birthday party for America.

The village held its annual Fourth of July weekend fireworks display Saturday night, delighting the hundreds of people who turned out on a picture perfect evening.

"I like the swirly ones, they're my favorites" said 4-year-old Jake Stanley, who came out to Mansfield Memorial Park with his parents and older sister.

"We like the fireworks and I like being out among the people," said Jake's father Kevin.

"It's a time to celebrate," said Janet Morreale, who came to the park sporting a shirt with a map of the United States on it.

"I'm happy to be in America, and I'm happy to be in Massapequa with my family.  The fireworks are beautiful and the kids love it."

Morreale's husband Tony also loved the family atmosphere. "We live in Massapequa because it's almost like a Norman Rockwell community," he said.  "It's a terrific place to raise children."

"We come every year and the kids have a lot of fun. I hope they never do away with it, " said Daniela Colomai, 39, of Seaford.

She says the holiday has special meaning for her, since her parents were born in Italy.

"We're an immigrant family, so for us it's a big deal. It gives the children a chance to learn about America."

People came hours early to stake out a spot for the fireworks display. They munched on hot dogs, played ball on the field and listened to a concert from the oldies singing group, "Time Was."

"We do it every year," said group member Tom Scotti. "It's fantastic, the fireworks show is great, and the people are great."

The group played until the sun went down and then it was time for the show.

"It was awesome, It was amazing," said Kimberly Anderson. "They were like a waterfall with all the colors of the rainbow."