Fireworks excite Middletown crowd

Middletown (WTNH) - The rain storm hit Middletown around 8 p.m. Although it slowed things down, it didn't stop the event or people's enthusiasm to celebrate.

At a hill along city hall, things got started pretty early -- with a band, vendors and umbrellas.

"A big turn out," said Amici owner Sam Vrakas. "Last year was the same, about 10,000. We're expecting a little more than 10,000."

Despite the rain and the hard-economic times, the vendors made out pretty well.

"We find when people come to these kinds of events, they splurge and want to get away from their everyday thing," said a vendor. "It's been very good this year for us."

The fireworks not only raked in money for local businesses and vendors, but it saved the city money so they wouldn't have to spend overtime dollars on the weekend.