Fireworks on the Raritan River
by Monica Orso
July 6, 2024
On a balmy Sunday night 4 of us ventured out on short notice to the Raritan River to see the re-scheduled fireworks put on by Highland Park.
The paddle from Edison Boat Basin was against the tide and gave us a light workout while we stayed safely out of the way of occasional power boats and jet skis. We passed under the Turnpike bridge and also the Route 1 bridge by the Raritan River Boat Club. (Bridge and boat club appeared in an episode of The Sopranos). Upon arriving at the Donaldson Park ramp in Highland Park we took short relief and food walks before the show, there were many food trucks on site.
At 9pm we hit the water again, the show was supposed to start at 9:15. We backtracked a bit to the Rt 1 bridge to get a jump on the return trip, you could see the fireworks just fine from under the bridge which was packed with motorists that pulled over for the show. After a 15 minute delay, the show began. IMHO they didn't have the "A-Team" putting it on this year! Although nice fireworks, the show was a little briefer than past years and the grand finale was a bit choppy...like they had to hunt for matches a few times. Still, a lot of booms and bursts were to be had.
The paddle back was dark so we stuck together like sticky rice with all lights on and arrived without incident at a considerably lower tide at the boat basin. Thanks Peter W., and Bob and Jeri C. for the company and making the trip down.
Monica