Shawn Finnigan was an early arrival at Rocky Point Park New Year’s Eve. He pulled in to set up about 1:45 p.m. As it turned out he needed all the time he could get. By 5 p.m. sweat poured off his face as he pulled pizzas from the brick oven that is the business end of his food truck. The truck is a converted fire apparatus that Finnigan, who lives in Greenwood, bought from North Haven, CT three years ago. It bears the name of his business, Hook n Ladder Pizza Company.

Along side Shawn were volunteers and off duty firefighters focused on taking orders and making pies as quickly as they could. The waiting line outside the window was at least 20 deep. Hook n Ladder Pizza was one of more than ten food trucks lining the park railing. Many looked to be as busy as Hook n Ladder, few had longer lines.

While food was on the agenda for many, the featured attraction of the evening was the fireworks show scheduled at start at 6 p.m. The show that started promptly at 6 was 15 minutes of non-stop rockets that showered the night sky with bouquets of greens, reds, yellows, blues, purples and whites. The finale was an intense dazzling five minutes. That is exactly what Mayor Frank Picozzi ordered. He was looking for a family oriented celebration to greet 2024 that would have the kids in bed before it was too late.

The timing was ideal for Congressman Seth Magaziner and his family. Wearing a backpack and pushing a stroller, the Magaziner family weaved between the food truck lines, occasionally stopping to chat with people. Magaziner said the family had thought of taking in the Providence show, slated to start at 7 p.m., to introduce his son Max to fireworks but picked Rocky Point because of the earlier start.

Warwick Police and the city’s Department of Public Works were prepared for a large turnout. They weren’t disappointed. The Palmer Avenue entrance to the park was well lit and a clear and safe path was taped off for those walking into the park. Crews purposely directed cars to the perimeter of the parking lot so as to create rows of cars facing the bay. After visiting the food trucks and getting free glow sticks handed out by Warwick Police many returned to their vehicles to beat the chill and watch the show…a great way to kiss 2023 good night.