From the earliest time I can remember, the Shelter Island Fireworks were managed each July 4th by the Shelter Island Volunteer Fire Department. I recall firemen with flares, lighting them off one by one from the east corner of Crescent Beach—known then as Louis’ Beach, and still called that by many today. Even back then, it was the biggest event of the year on Shelter Island. It felt like the entire island came down to watch.
A postcard showing Gardiner's Bay Country Club, 1971. Credit: Shelter Island Historical Society
Eventually, the Fire Department handed the operation off to professional fireworks vendors, and over time we began to notice the displays getting shorter and shorter, as July 4th fireworks became more popular—and more expensive—throughout the region. Then, not all that long ago, someone had the brilliant idea to move the fireworks to the Saturday following July 4th. Not only did it turn the celebration into a weekend event, but it also brought significant savings by avoiding the high cost of a July 4th display.
Not only did it turn the celebration into a weekend event, but it also brought significant savings by avoiding the high cost of a July 4th display.
Since then, the fireworks have been restored to an opulent show, launched from the middle of Crescent Beach and drawing more islanders and boaters than ever before.
The Pridwin has a tradition of hosting a cookout on the night of the fireworks. It’s easily one of our favorite events of the year—because really, what’s better than a sunset on the Pridwin lawn, a classic cookout, and the Shelter Island fireworks lighting up the sky?
Saturday, July 12
Family BBQ & Fireworks Extravaganza
Join us for a luxurious and fun summer celebration at The Pridwin—a relaxed yet elegant family-style cookout thoughtfully curated by Executive Chef Todd Ruiz. The evening will be filled with fun for the entire family, from live music on the lawn to festive activities including face painting, a bounce house, dunk tank, water balloons, and two rounds of our signature watermelon eating contest on the upper lawn. As the sun sets, prepare for a fireworks display over the bay at approximately 9:00 PM.
Related Stories
Meet the Buyers
Learn what goes into crafting Cape Resorts’ signature style—from Rachel and Cally’s refined curation at Tommy’s Folly to Wendy’s timeless design vision.
The Summer White House
In the days before presidential motorcades and private jets, four commanders-in-chief made their way to Cape May—finding rest and renewal at Congress Hall.
Three Generations
For one local family, Cape Resorts is more than a workplace—it's woven into their story. Spanning multiple generations, their journey is one of commitment, leadership, and success.
Where Time Has Stood Still
Named after the shield (“Prid’win”) of the legendary Celtic hero, King Arthur, the Pridwin Hotel was built from 1924 to 1926 by an English concern named the Queens Company Ltd.
Spring Sunlight
The spring sun lights some of our favorite scenes: the Grand Lawn of Congress Hall, ready for Easter; the tulips and turrets along Jackson Street...
Jump a Little Higher
In her 20s, Molly Barthel enjoyed cruising the waters of Long Island Sound with a group of friends on a small wooden boat. “We had the time of our lives...”
A Tradition Returns
“A friend approached me while I was out to dinner one night,” says Glenn Petry, co-owner and chief nostalgia officer of The Pridwin. “She told me: You have to bring back the cookouts..."
Dishes and Holloware
When Congress Hall was renovated in 2001, an excavation of the foundation produced a true find: a box that dated back to the late 19th century.
The Key to Hospitality
In 2010, on the corner of Broadway and Perry Street, a contractor who'd been widening Cape May's drainage system spotted a key inscribed with the initials A.K.