Takoma Park Fireworks: How Sweet It Was the Day After

It was a sight to behold on a warm summer's night—short but sweet—and though it was the day after the Fourth of July, the community came out in force for the city's annual fireworks display.

"These were the most beautiful fireworks I've ever seen—the most creative," said Wynn Witthans, a Silver Spring resident.

Just over 16,000 shots—a mix of shells, Roman candles and barrage units—were used in this year's display, said Dennis Brady, CEO of Bay Fireworks. The Farmingdale, NY-based company produces several hundred displays over the Fourth of July week, he said.

"We do all the design in-house," said Brady, adding that the display was electrically fired. "Every one of those devices has to be individually wired into our firing system."

Brady said that the city provided a budget, and then Bay Fireworks built and designed a show within budget and firing site parameters.

"Every show is unique. We hand-pick all of the effects for each show."

Hundreds of locals and residents from surrounding communities gathered on the grounds of Takoma Park Middle School in the hour leading up to the show. Vendors sold sweets, refreshing beverages and colorful glow toys as the crowd eagerly anticipated the belated fireworks display.

The city's fireworks and parade are overseen by the Takoma Park Independence Day Committee, which receives a city grant to help defray the cost of the fireworks, said committee secretary Mary Anne Miles in an e-mail. The all-volunteer organization has several fundraising activities to help with costs.

"We have full oversight of the day's events, and therefore take full responsibility when things go wrong—as in delaying the fireworks display," Miles said.

Despite the one-day delay, it was all eyes turned upward when the first shots fired and colors illuminated the night sky.

"I personally love the satisfaction of entertaining hundreds of thousands of people. It's a fun business," Brady said.

Photographer Erik Sharar contributed to the photo gallery.