July 4 is the 250th birthday of the USA and WDTV News Channel 5 is teaming up with the Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Bureau to celebrate in style. A massive fireworks display is scheduled for the evening of Friday, July 3.
“Mark your calendars for Fireworks on the Hill and expect to be in awe,” said Greater Bridgeport CVB Executive Director Cassie Busdeker.
Spectators can park at Home Depot, Gabriel’s, Eastpointe, and NewPointe plazas to watch the show, which begins around 9:30 p.m.
“The residents of North Central West Virginia love this event,” said Sam Olivio, account executive with WDTV News Channel 5, event media sponsor.
“Families start coming out around 5 p.m. to tailgate – setting up their chairs, blankets, and grills. The parking lot starts filling up around 6 p.m and the kids have a blast.”
The semiquincentennial anniversary is cause for an even more expansive display than usual. To be part of the effort, area businesses and organizations are welcome to come on board as sponsors. For more information, reach out to solivio88@gmail.com or cassie@connect-bridgeport.com.
Though there were a few years during and after the COVID pandemic when it didn’t take place, Fireworks on the Hill is a tradition that dates back several decades.
“The event was known in North Central West Virginia for 40 years when Hills Department Store was still in business,” Olivio said.
Busdeker is among those who remember gathering with family and friends for the annual show.
“I have such fond memories of spending time watching the fireworks growing up. We are so excited to be able to bring back this family tradition,” she said.
As they have in the past, Bridgeport and Clarksburg police and fire departments will provide traffic assistance and be on hand for any situations that may arise.