Fireworks, activities set for city celebration

NASHUA – Chrysanthemums, coconut and willow trees, parachutes, serpents, bees and butterflies will be flying through the air to ring in the new year in the city.
These are just a few of the types of fireworks that may light up the sky in Nashua, on New Year’s Eve at 6 p.m. The city is planning to illuminate the sky and dazzle residents with a presentation of its sesquicentennial fireworks finale.
David Lavoie, president of Pyromate Firing Systems in Peterborough said a lot of planning and organizing go into a fireworks display.
Lavoie has more than 25 years of experience in the fireworks industry.
“Firework technicians have to take into consideration safety procedures, the audience’s needs and weather conditions for a fireworks display,” Lavoie said.
The fireworks that will be used for the sesquicentennial finale were previously scheduled to be used for the Holiday Stroll. However, the pyrotechnical show was cancelled because of strong winds. According to Lavoie, a pyrotechnical show will be cancelled if wind gusts are more than 20 mph or if it is snowing.
The fireworks will be launched from the parking lot of the Millyard Technology Park. Spectators may watch from the Main Street bridge, which will be closed for viewing. Those cheering in the New Year from the bridge will be able to see fireworks rain down and reflect over the Nashua River.
Street performers and vendors will add to the festive atmosphere around the bridge.
Families may also enjoy an afternoon of New Year’s cheer with special entertainment at the Nashua Public Library.
Carol Luers Eyman, community services coordinator at the library, said the New Year’s events planned will be successful because they are ideal for families.
“Parents and children can conveniently enjoy the events throughout the day together in downtown Nashua rather than traveling to Boston or Portsmouth,” Eyman said. “Also, the events end early enough for parents to attend their own parties or gatherings.”
The events planned for the Family New Year’s Cheer in Downtown Nashua are as follows:
n 3 p.m. – Live jazz music, face painting and light refreshments in the library’s Cafe YA.
n 4:15 p.m. – “Magical Fun Show” with magician Steve Thomas and special guest Robb Preskin in the library’s Children’s Room. The show features situation comedy and enchanting magic, laced with audience participation.
Thomas has entertained in theaters, on cruise ships and on television. He has produced and hosted a number of television programs for children, including “Kidbits,” “Up in the Attic” and the “A Visit with Santa” series. Preskin’s routines include juggling, clowning and comedy. He has performed for the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, the Big Apple Circus and at Disneyland.
n 6 p.m. – Sesquicentennial Fireworks Finale, Main Street bridge.
For more information on the festivities, call Eyman at the library at 589-4610.
Katie Daly can be reached at 594-5860 or dalyk@telegraph-nh.com.