Members of the Associated Business of Bridgeport have officially announced that fireworks will be returning once again to the 2015 event. ABB Secretary/Treasurer Melinda Lindsey confirmed that the group confirmed the popular portion of the event during a recent meeting.

 

“We will have the fireworks again this year and it will once again wrap up the festivities for the evening,” said Lindsey.

 

The 11th annual event, which literally draws thousands of individuals to the closed off section of Main Street in Bridgeport, kicks off at 6 p.m. The focal point of the event includes the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, which is always situated in front of the Benedum Civic Center. The tree lighting takes place at 7 p.m. and the event concludes at 8 p.m. with the fireworks.

 

Lindsey, who has been involved since the beginning, said that while the fireworks are popular with most of those attending, it’s the children in particular that enjoy it. She, and others, have said sometimes the crowd actually increases toward the end of the event to see the fireworks.

“The children, particularly the little ones, are so very excited and most haven’t seen fireworks since July. You hear them oohing and aahing as it is taking place and they’re smiling from ear to ear,” said Lindsey. “It’s just one big part of a really special night.”

 

Lindsey is anticipating up to 30 or more booths to take part this year. Each booth will be offering goodies – free of charge – to those in attendance. All those taking part in the booths are members of the ABB, along with churches that want to participate.

 

“We’re anticipating a lot of booths again this year and the good news is that we’ve added several new members to our organization and they joined to take part in Light Up Night,” said Lindsey. “Along with providing a great event for the community, one of the goals of the event was to help increase membership.”

 

The ABB is involved in several events throughout the year, including a recent beer tasting event and helping out at National Night Out among others, but this is their signature event. Click HERE for the initial story on Light Up Night, including some of the groups participating. It should also be noted that the Bridgeport Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 5. Click HERE for details on that.

 

Editor's Note: File photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.