TURNERS FALLS — While thoughts of a traditional Fourth of July celebration might entail explosive sounds as colorful fireworks erupt in the sky, RiverCulture provided an alternative on Friday, using a projector to put on its first “Quiet Fireworks Show.”
Attendees gathered in the alleyway next to the Shea Theater Arts Center, set up their folding chairs and got comfortable to enjoy the show. Using a Lumi projector, the show began at 9 p.m. with the Montague Historical Society’s short film “Fourth of July at Turners Falls 1951,” before the projected fireworks began at 9:15 p.m.
The event was organized by RiverCulture, Montague’s creative economy program housed in the Montague Planning Department. Director Suzanne LoManto said she was surprised by the strong turnout for the first-ever event.
“I didn’t know if anybody was going to come,” LoManto said. “Here it looks like we have close to 50 people, so I’m super excited.”
The show was part of the Turner Falls First Friday programming. According to LoManto, a main goal in organizing First Friday is “to get people out, to get people doing different things.” LoManto also emphasized how First Friday is planned to be affordable, and to use resources already available to the Planning Department.
In the case of the projected fireworks show, the Lumi projector has been in RiverCulture’s arsenal for a few years. After having the projector reconditioned, it was ready to be used.
“The sound of fireworks isn’t good for wildlife [and] they are not good for veterans, so it just came together,” LoManto explained. “Chris [LaPlante] and I always start with what’s already happening with the materials we have, and we’ve had this projector.”
RiverCulture and Downtown District Coordinator Christian LaPlante put together the fireworks show with copyright-free footage from the internet. The footage came from fireworks displays from across the country, such as New York City, Seattle and San Francisco, with marching music in the background.
LoManto is unsure if the silent fireworks show will become an annual event, but she said is excited to keep using the parking lot next to the Shea for programming.
“We have had several really great events in this parking lot,” she said. “People like this little spot next to the Shea.”
Attendees, some of whom planned to still attend a traditional fireworks display over the weekend, voiced their appreciation for the family-friendly, community event. Like LoManto, some said RiverCulture’s event provided a nice alternative to the noise of fireworks that can disturb veterans, wildlife and household pets.
For those interested in more First Friday programming, visit tinyurl.com/yzm383zb.