Norwich – With a quick endorsement from the City Council Monday, Olde Tymes Restaurant officially was approved as the vendor for the main fireworks festival fundraiser Thursday atop the city-owned Market Street parking garage.

The vote was the final logistical step needed for the annual Norwich July 4 fireworks festival that will start in the early afternoon Thursday and run through the fireworks display scheduled to start at about 9 p.m. Olde Tymes agreed to host the event after the original host, Harp & Dragon Pub withdrew because of lack of staffing.

The fireworks festival is funded through private donations and business sponsorships, with in-kind support provided by city departments. Activities are coordinated by the volunteer fireworks committee.

The rooftop fundraiser will begin at 5 p.m. with a live radio broadcast by WNLC-FM. Tickets are $100 for a table of eight seats and $10 for individual standing-room entry. Olde Tymes Restaurant will sell barbecue food and beverages and will host a cash bar. All proceeds from the admission fees will go toward the fireworks festival. Olde Tymes owner Rodney Green said he will donate about 25 percent of the gross revenues from the barbecue and bar sales to the event as well.

Tickets are available at the Norwich Community Development Corp. office at 77 Main St. or online at www.norwichharborfireworks.com. If available, tickets will be sold at the door.

Fireworks Committee Chairman Michael Franklin said Monday the group still needs several volunteers to take tickets and help coordinate parking in the Market Street garage prior to the fireworks. The middle level of the garage will be reserved for rooftop patrons, while the lower level will be open for public parking.

To volunteer, contact Franklin at (860) 460-8144.

Food and novelty vendors will begin to set up at about 2 p.m. in the Howard T. Brown Memorial Park at Norwich Harbor for families coming early to stake out viewing spots.

City parking garages and parking lots throughout downtown will be open at no charge for the festival.

Across from Brown Park at the Marina at American Wharf, The Glass House Restaurant will host singer and guitarist Ray Taylor, who will perform before and after the fireworks. Seating at the restaurant will require a $100 per table minimum purchase.

c.bessette@theday.com

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