Manasquan held its Gala Fourth of July celebration on Saturday at Main Street Beach at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Manasquan. Watch video
MANASQUAN -- When the moment came, the one everyone looks forward to each Fourth of July celebration, when pyrotechnicians let wild a crescendoing explosive mix of flying fish, comets, willows, and more, the Borough did not disappoint, and its fireworks finale was met with loud cheers and applause.
Hundreds gathered on Main Street Beach at the Manasquan Coast Guard Station on Saturday for a "take two" of the Borough's Fourth of July gala, which was originally set to take place Friday, but was rescheduled due to the storm.
Manasquan thrills crowd with 4th of July fireworks - Gallery 2
Following children's bicycle decorating contest, a parade and a music show earlier in the day, attendees found their spots on the beach with others looking on from their beachfront homes, all awaiting the start of the show. Then eyes lit up as the first glowing incendiaries rocketed into the night sky with the lights of a dozen or so boats idling in the water, watching from far off on the sea.
"I thought it was great," said Kelly Peterson, of Wall, after the show with his wife and observably exhausted children.
Peterson said he also enjoyed the music performance by the Billy Lawlor band, which played classics like "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Folsom Prison Blues," among others.
At around 9:30 p.m., the main event began, and as the fireworks increased in intensity -- illuminating the night sky with red, white, blue, green and purple explosions -- adults and children alike gazed and shared the same expression of awe.
After the climactic finale, the hundreds of people who came out that evening whistled and applauded, indicating that they had not been disappointed.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.