The Best Fourth of July Fireworks in the Northeast: New London, Connecticut

Where can you go to see the largest fireworks display in the Northeast during July? If you said New York City then you are wrong. During the weekend of July 12th you have to travel to New London, Connecticut to see the impressive show put on by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

This is the 31st Sailfest event and every year it gets bigger and better. Held down at the waterfront the weekend festivities bring 300,000 people to New London during the three days it's running. This event is a can't miss if you live in the Northeast.

There are rides stretched along the pier that light up the night. Mixed in with the rides are the typical carnival booths offering a chance to win prizes in games of skill. Throughout the weekend there are live bands of all kinds free for your enjoyment.

These attractions are fun but another big draw is the great food available during the weekend. Hot dogs, grinders, kettle corn, gyros, and chicken-on-a-stick are available Friday night till late afternoon Sunday.

Mixed in with all this excitement is an art show that features local artists hawking their wares. Tents are set up along Bank Street that is closed in the heart of downtown New London. There are shirts and pictures and plenty of stuff for the kids to do.

Adults will have fun too as beer tents are set up and monitored by local law enforcement. The beer tents will be serving Coors Light, Millet Lite, and Sam Adams. The wine sponsor is Bare Foot Wines.

The whole atmosphere is amazing as New London goes all out to put on this once a year festival. Local companies such as Pfizer, Coca Cola, The Day, and Foxwoods ensure that plenty of organizing goes into the weekend.

Starting about 3pm people fill up all the parking spaces throughout the city and the walk towards the water becomes longer and longer on the day of the fireworks. People camp out hours before the show to ensure they have a great view. The Mashantucket Tribal Nation puts on arguably one of the best firework shows on the East Coast.

There are over 22,000 shells fired from a barge on the Thames River. The event begins Saturday the 12th at 9:25pm. The whole show is set to a musical score that can be dialed in on the radio.

New London is a great town to visit and having the big show one week after the July 4th weekend can possible free up some peoples travel plans. The event is amazing and the people are friendly. Visit Southern Connecticut for a memorable experience that will have you coming back year after year.