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New to Stamford, Sarah Langan expected to make a few changes. But she never thought she'd have to get used to the absence of fireworks on the Fourth of July until budget problems caused the cancellation of the Cummings Beach show for the first time in at least 50 years.
"I'm actually disappointed that they won't have fireworks here," says Langan as she strolled down Bedford Street Friday afternoon with boyfriend Justin Ross.
The Maryland native came to Stamford five months ago after accepting a data analyst internship. "I'm sort of used to fireworks, and I'm perplexed about why they're not having them. It makes sense fiscally, but at the same time, it's such a tradition," added Ross, who's visiting from Pittsburgh.
The pair will venture to New York for the holiday. Several others said they'll go out of town as well.
"I think Greenwich is having fireworks," said Anthony Morelli. "I have a friend who works for the city of Greenwich, on the beach," and that's where Morelli and friend Morgan Zeiss will go.
Still, Morelli's disappointed. "I think someone could have sponsored it, or donated in Stamford," he said. "It's not the end of my world, but for the kids it might be nice."
"It's upsetting," said Zeiss, 20, who described herself as "still a kid."
Mike Hibbert will spend the holiday at Woodway Country Club in Darien. He said he understands the cancellation. "It's a tight economy we're in now. If they say we need to cut back."
Phil McNicol always goes sailing in Westport on the Fourth, so he won't be affected by the Stamford cutback. And Ghoney Pterre already had made plans to visit relatives in Canada.
Carol and Ed Abrams may go to Newport for the day, but having the option of seeing Stamford fireworks would have been nice, said Carol Abrams. "Other towns are doing it. Why should we not do it?" Carol said.
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