Stray Winds Farm 4th of July Fireworks

Hello SWF Neighbors!

We are pleased to announce the 4th Annual Stray Winds Farm 4th of July "Home of the Brave" Fireworks display!

We are looking to go bigger and more spectacular this year than ever before with our loudest and proudest fireworks display as we celebrate our Nation's independence and honor those who have served (as well as those currently serving) in our military to preserve our freedom. I apologize for getting this post up so late in June! I am instructing PA National Guard Soldiers and Airmen all month for their annual training with very little time to spare. 

There are some technical difficulties right now with the HOA email situation, so I can’t promise you’ll receive something from Sarina via email, but I have connected with her about the event. I will try and get something worked out with her for a workaround. 

Making it Possible

Per PA State Law (Act 43 of 2017) and Lower Paxton Township ordinance (§ 107-5 Use of consumer fireworks) consumer-grade fireworks are permitted to be displayed on private property greater than 1 acre, 150 ft away from occupied structures, and with written consent of the property owner. We are extremely grateful for our neighbors Brian Faleshock and Tina Collins Faleshock (owners of Four Season Property Services) as the launch site will be on their privately owned commercial property – centrally located within our community. This event would not be possible without them! Although not required, the event has also been coordinated with the Lower Paxton Township Police Department for their situational awareness.

We will make sure we’ve got a great fireworks display for everyone to enjoy every year, but the size and length of the displays over the last three years would not have been possible without the Stray Winds Farm Community coming together to donate towards the purchase of the fireworks. We were able to buy twice as much product than what Emily and I could purchase on our own in years past, and the shows were simply that much better each year.

If you feel so inclined, we are happy to accept contributions towards the fireworks again this year, as we hope to make this year’s display even bigger than last year. Sticking with the tradition, Emily and I will be funding enough to have a small show regardless, but we will also match every dollar we receive in donations up to $3,500 towards a larger show. Last year the SWF community raised just over $2,000, and the show was out of this world. Contributions to the fireworks can be dropped off at our home (4027 Secretariat) or Venmo @ZPNORRIS. Each premium 500g “cake” costs between $60-$100. We plan on purchasing the fireworks on Friday, June 28th. The 501(c)(3) that we created (now that this event has grown to its current size) is with the secretary of state's office for formal registration, but I'm told will be there for some time yet. It will certainly be ready for next year. 

Logistics

Many folks in the community won’t even need to leave their house to watch the show, but if you’d like to come see them up close, the very best spot will be in the common area behind 4022 and 4024 Secretariat. Bring some chairs or a blanket and get comfortable! Parking will be the biggest hurdle. With very few guest parking spaces available in the Grove, if you do need to drive, the best bet would be to park at the Stray Winds Farm Park and then take a short walk over to the viewing area (or watch them from the park – which will be a great view as well). I realize that the park generally “closes” at dusk, but in coordinating with Lower Paxton Township Police, we will have that short accommodation available on the 4th of July. If you end up driving into the Grove to park, please park “off” the street (see photo below) but not on the sidewalk. There should be plenty space to make this work. If everyone parks “on” the street, and on both sides, there will only be enough room for one-way traffic. I realize that not everyone has facebook, so this message likely won’t reach the vast majority of the community – but if you are someone who happens to read this and you do see someone parking on the street in real-time, it might be worth kindly letting them know that it would be best if they would be willing to park off the road in an attempt to avoid creating a one-way situation.

Refreshments

There will be a variety of drinks and food courtesy of GIANT foods and Dunkin’ Donuts so arrive a little early if you want to partake before the show!

Warnings

Fireworks are inherently bright and loud. Anyone who is sensitive to loud noises is welcome to stop by our home to grab a pair of military approved ear protection to wear for the show. For those of you who have animals who are sensitive to loud noises, I wish I could share a solution to that problem that would cover everyone’s situation. Unfortunately, I’m not certain you’ll be able to take them anywhere in the United States on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th of July from 9:00p-1:00am where there won’t be pops and bangs. Our cat doesn’t particularly care for thunderstorms (nor fireworks) so we’ve found that letting him hang downstairs, below grade, with some music or TV at a moderate level does the trick and he isn’t the wiser. Additionally, there will be one or two evenings reserved for testing some of the equipment ahead of the 4th. Please note, as is the case every year, folks in the community tend to lengthen the 4th of July celebration a few days before into several days after the 4th. We are not responsible for when and where those instances happen - though we personally have no objections to it as long as they are doing them in accordance with the law (Note: Fireworks are prohibited to be used on township property, which would include the SWF Park). If you feel the state laws and/or local ordinances are being violated, I would encourage you to review those laws/regulations/ordinances before requesting valuable Lower Paxton Township Police Department resources. Their non-emergency number is 717-558-6900.

End Notes

In the words of Founding Father John Adams regarding Independence Day, the holiday would be “the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance. … It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

WHO: US Military Veterans, Stray Winds Farm Community Members and Family

WHAT: 4th Annual Stray Winds Farm "Home of the Brave" Fireworks Display

WHERE: Best view is the common area behind 4022 and 4024 Secretariat St.

WHEN: Roughly 9:10pm, Thursday, 4 July 2024 (Free shoot then 3-4 min intermission followed by Grand Finale). Rain date is set for Friday, 5 July 2024 at 9:10pm.

WHY: To celebrate Independence Day and to honor our Nation’s Veterans

HOW: Funded by Zack and Emily Norris along with Stray Winds Farm community donations and Platinum sponsors. Please drop or send contributions on or before 28 June.

We are so excited to share another spectacular show with our local Service Members, Veterans, and the SWF community. Thank you again to all who have donated in years past! It made the difference. Hope to see you on the 4th! God Bless America! 

-Zack

(717) 443-1751

4027 Secretariat