For anyone at WDTV and WVFX who may be wondering if the idea to resurrect the old fireworks display on Bridgeport Hill was a good idea five years ago, all they have to do is look outside the day of the annual event. What they’ll see, usually by mid- to late-afternoon is the parking lot at Gabe’s Plaza starting to fill up hours before it’s supposed to take place.

 

It was the case last year. And it’s been the case every year since WDTV General Manager Tim DeFazio brought the show back to life.

 

Cassie Busdeker, WDTV-WVFX Promotions Manager, said because of that the show is returning to the area once again. In fact, the station has already began to promote the show for 2018.

 

This year, the event will be held on July 2 – a Monday – beginning at 10 p.m. The fireworks show, which many have said is among the best they’ve seen, is at least 45 minutes long.

 

“Last year, the fireworks actually lasted more than an hour,” said Busdeker. “It will go a minimum of 45 minutes, but we anticipate it to be longer than that.”

 

The fireworks are set off just on the Bridgeport side of the Clarksburg-Bridgeport city limits off of Emily Drive. Staff sets off the fireworks near the water tank above the former Kmart building at Eastpointe.

 

The fireworks, however, can be seen from quite a distance. Crowds gather at Gabe’s Plaza, the Home Depot Plaza, Eastpointe, NewPointe and points beyond and in between.

 

“We’ve been so extremely successful and it’s please because I remember, like so many others, what that was like years ago,” said Busdeker. “What’s a bit different is we see from our office people starting to pull up around 4 p.m. and setting up to tailgate and have fun with their kids. We’ve seen campers setting up even earlier than that at the Home Depot Plaza so we know this is an event some plan all year round for and that makes it even better.”

 

Parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis. And the entire event is free to the community. For safety purposes, Busdeker said the Bridgeport and Clarksburg Police Departments will be assisting during the event and with traffic control once the event is complete.

 

“They do a great job of getting so many cars out of the area in a timely and safe manner,” said Busdeker, who also said the Bridgeport Fire Department will be on hand as well.

 

The event is made possible by four primary sponsors. Jenkins Subaru-Hyundai, The Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the North Central West Virginia Airport and the Harrison County Emergency Squad.

 

“Come out and spend time with your family and be sure to get you a good place to park,” said Busdeker. “Bring you some snacks and a lawn chair and then sit back and enjoy the show.”

 

Editor's Note: Photos from the 2017 show by www.benqueenphotography.com.