A pig statue is decorated with patriotic clothing on Kellogg Hill Road in Weston.

Photo Credit: Samantha Henry

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr user tsuacctnt

John Pokorny

Photo Credit: Samantha Henry

WESTON, Conn. -- Fire Marshal John Pokorny has seen people lose fingers and other parts of their hands while using illegal fireworks. And he wants holiday revelers to be careful.

"The real fireworks are dangerous,” he said. “Pretty much anything that goes ‘bang!’ is not okay."

Pokorny warned that even sparklers are very hot and can start a fire. "Be careful where you use them," he said. "And be careful with children--they should always be under adult supervision."

Pokorny said the safest bet is to attend one of the local shows. 

So, grab your blanket and arrive early for Weston's fireworks show on Monday. New this year will be a laser show set to begin at 9 p.m., just before the fireworks. 

The laser display will be put on by Connecticut Lasers. The fireworks, by Atlas Advanced Pyrotechnics, start at 9:20 p.m.

Fourth of July activities start early with an open swim at Bisceglie-Scribner Park between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets for the fireworks, held at the middle school, will be on sale at the School Road gate starting at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for age 5 and up and free for kids under 5. About 4,000 people are expected to show up for the event --so arrive early.

Families can bring their own barbecue. The Georgetown Saloon also will sell chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers from 5 to 9 p.m.

The Westport Community Band will play patriotic music from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. At the same time, the Magic Genie will make his rounds blowing up balloon animals and wowing the crowd with his tricks. The Straight Note Chasers Band will perform top 40 hits from 7:30 to 9:20 p.m. and then again from 10 to 11.

There will be parking on all school lots on School Road. School Road at Lords Highway will be closed at 7 p.m., and only the main entrance on Weston Road will remain open. The rain date is Tuesday, July 5.

What are your Fourth of July plans? Send information and photos to shenry@thedailyweston.com.