Hopatcong Fireworks: Keep This In Mind

OOOOOOOH! AHHHHHHH!

Expect to hear that a lot during Friday night's fireworks. Better yet: prepare your vocal chords for the grand finale, which rarely disappoints.

OK, that's enough of what you already know. Here are some things to keep in mind heading into the show.

Look Up The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club-sponsored fireworks will begin around 9:15 p.m.

Respect Authority If you're lucky enough to watch the fireworks from a boat on the lake, keep an eye out for the state police, which will set up a perimeter around the fireworks. Buoys will mark the perimeter. Also, the barge holding holding the fireworks will be towed back to the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club's docks after the show. Don't get in its way. It won't stop.

Tradition The Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club has sponsored the July 4 fireworks since the early 1950s.

Rising Prices It's gotten more expensive to put on the show, and not just due to inflation. State law forced the LHYC more than a decade ago to stop firing them off at their docks. Now they must be shot off on a middle-of-the-lake barge, which allows for a large display but forces the club to employ four barges. Hence the reason for the LHYC's increased amount of fundraisers.

Show Up Early If you're going to the Hopatcong State Park, showing up about an hour early won't hurt. Not only will it guarantee you a parking spot, but it could mean grabbing prime bench. Then again, you could just pack the lawn chairs and completely forget about it.

Bring Dough On weekdays, the state park charges $6 per car.

Bring Garbage Bags The state park holds firm to its carry-in, carry-out philosophy. So bring some garbage bags for empty bottles and sandwich wrappers. You don't want to be that guy.