COURTESY PHOTO
The Navy Band Northeast will perform at Peabody’s Centennial Concert and Fireworks Spectacular on July 23.
BY ADAM SWIFT
PEABODY — Skies over Peabody will light up with fireworks for the first time in nearly two decades next month.
Peabody’s Centennial Concert and Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday, July 23 will also feature a performance by the Navy Band Northeast.
They have been performing public concerts and participating in high profile events for more than 85 years.
The concert and fireworks, which will take place at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School at 6 p.m., is part of a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of Peabody’s incorporation as a city.
“What a great way to celebrate Peabody’s 100th birthday,” said Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. in a statement. “There will be patriotic-themed music by one of the nation’s foremost military ensembles followed by a spectacular fireworks show that will light up the sky over Coley Lee Field.”
Peabody hasn’t seen a fireworks display since the tenure of late Mayor Peter Torigian in 1998.
Fire Inspector Chris Dowling will coordinate event safety on behalf of the Peabody Fire Department.
“Fireworks displays have come a long way since 1998,” said Dowling in a statement. “Concertgoers are going to see the very latest in advanced pyrotechnics that night and it should be something truly special.”
The event is free. Limited parking will be available at Peabody High School and the McVann-O’Keefe Hockey Rink. Free shuttle service to and from satellite parking locations will also be available.
Peabody’s 100th birthday celebration culminates with a Centennial parade through downtown on Sunday, Oct. 2.
