Quiet fireworks in Jamestown offer sensory-friendly family experience

JAMESTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Islanders were ready for a different take on Fourth of July fireworks on Wednesday.

Families gathered at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown before fog cut the evening short.

The Department of Environmental Management’s quiet fireworks show put viewers further away from Newport’s annual display so they could enjoy the lights at a lower volume.

The experience was unlike what one may picture when thinking of Fourth of July celebrations; a small crowd and a quiet evening with fireworks in the distance.

For people who have a hard time with loud noises, the show was the best of both worlds.

Amy Johnson told ABC 6 News that her daughter usually avoided fireworks displays.

“My daughter, Lucy, she likes the fireworks, but she doesn’t like the noise,” she said. “You know, loud noise is not so good for her, so when I heard they were doing this, I was excited, because that meant we could go and see a fireworks show without having to worry about that.”

Families set up blankets and chairs to watch a quiet fireworks display at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown, Wednesday, July 5, 2023. (WLNE)

Many of the people who spoke to ABC 6 didn’t know the show was anything special, but once they found out, they were supportive of the idea.

“We didn’t want to go into the town of Newport because it would be a lot of people and the noise is very sensitive to my ears,” said Jeannine Gamache from Rudersberg, Virginia.

“Because when you get to be my age, we have a little bit of problems listening to things, so it’s much easier for us to be a little bit further away,” they continued. 

This isn’t the first time Beavertail State Park offered the sensory-friendly show.

“In the past, we had like, headphones for her, and we’d bring those if we were going anywhere loud, but it’s nice to have this option,” Johnson said.

Unfortunately, the quiet fireworks ended early due to fog, but community members unanimously agreed that having the option makes all the difference.