Reminiscent of the signal fires of ancient Troy, or the great funeral pyres that sent Vikings warriors on their journey to Val

Lees Market “Lights It Up” at Horseneck Beach

EverythingWestport.com

Saturday, September 29, 2007

The shadows were getting long as many hundreds gathered on Horseneck Beach with their friends and families, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets in keyed up anticipation of the bonfire and fireworks show to come. It was a beautifully clear evening, and the air had that dry chill of the coming fall. The bonfires, sponsored by The Friends of Horseneck Beach, would warm things up.

State Representative Michael J. Rodrigues of Westport spearheaded The Friends of Horseneck Beach to do whatever they could to make the beach a better place. Mike was recently instrumental in bringing home $5 million in state funds to improve the facilities there. The Friends are planning more family activities and are enlisting more volunteers (currently about 39) to assist the state in the ongoing cleanup of the beach, an effort much appreciated by the Beach’s short staffed personnel. Eventually, this group plans fundraisers to provide additional amenities beyond the scope of the recent state funding.

At 6:45 p.m. the show got on the road.

Reminiscent of the signal fires of ancient Troy, or the great funeral pyres that sent Vikings warriors on their journey to Valhalla (Odin's hall), three large bonfires were ignited in unison close to dusk on Horseneck beach as the opening act to the festive Lees Lights It Up fireworks display sponsored by Lees Market. The brisk southwest wind soon fanned the fires into raging infernos within minutes of their lighting.

Bonfires always provide an element of danger and excitement. To insure a safe event Westport Fire Chief Brian Legendre enlisted personnel and support vehicles from the towns of Westport, Dartmouth, Fall River, New Bedford, and Swansea. Also assisting the event were the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Massachusetts Forests and Parks, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

The bonfires were a last minute addition, and many in and around town weren’t even aware of their presence. However, by 7:15 p.m. many thousands were coming onto Horseneck Beach looking for a spot to claim for watching the fireworks show so generously donated by Lees Market of Westport. The launching point was in the state parking lot of Gooseberry Island. Hundreds of cars were parked at East Beach and viewing space in the area was at a premium.

The bonfires were still burning when the first rocket was launched at 8 p.m. From that point on there was a shell in the air continuously for 35 minutes until the grand finale. And what a show! There was a smorgasbord of firework displays ranging from the old standards like peonies, crackling bees and bees, dahlias, Jupiter rings, strobing shells, willows, Chrysanthemums, palms, roman candles - to the more recent special effects like smiley faces (awesome, how do they do it!), cubes (amazing) and bowties. Buzzards Bay was lit up with every color of the rainbow. There were unobstructed views from Little Beach in Dartmouth to Cherry & Webb Beach in Westport to enjoy this spectacular show in the sky.

Lees Lights It Up is a fabulous season-ending event. We hope it continues for years to come. Thanks to the Lees family for entertaining our families, and stretching out our summer fun for just a bit longer.

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