Storms kept at bay, as a festive 4th was celebrated at Kent Narrows

CHESTER — Despite the threat of rain showers and an overcast sky for a bulk of the day, Queen Anne’s County annual fireworks display on the Narrows went off without a hitch. In front of the newly renovated Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center, festivities began at 6 p.m. with music from Jason Morton & Chesapeake Sons, and WCEI broadcasting live. In the Kids Zone, there was a bounce house, face painters, a photo booth with props and more kids activities all provided free by the county.

Free parking was also plentiful at the “old outlets” with just a 10 minute walk to the main festivities. The county made sure to have plenty of lighting in the parking areas to keep the thousands of residents safe. Many families came prepared to tailgate, with picnics, corn hole and their own music playing. According to QA sheriff deputies onsite, there were no issues reported and everyone had a safe and enjoyable evening.

As is typical for the fireworks at the Narrows, there were hundreds of boats taking advantage of the calm evening, anchored, moored or rafted up in and around. Maryland DNR officers were on the water as well, helping to ensure everyone had a safe evening boat ride.

The main event began as dark fell with a barrage of approximately 60 3”, 4” and 5” shells, expertly timed and delivered by the folks at Zambelli Fireworks, out of Pennsylvania.

Zambelli Fireworks has mastered the art of creating memorable experiences for large events, small gatherings, and everything in between for over 124 years. Their displays range in scope from a small event (like a wedding) all the way up to the 4th of July on the National Mall and the upcoming inauguration in 2025. These can cost everywhere from $2,500 to $100,000 and more.

The display in the Narrows was a modest $55,000 and included over 1500 shells — including over 400 in the finale alone.