Time to break out your lawn chairs and blankets and get ready to celebrate the unofficial start of summer: Memorial Day Weekend.  There will be firework displays all over Long Island this weekend, including ones with live music and carnival-style rides for the kids.  Before you head off to your favorite firework-watching spot, don’t forget to practice safety around fireworks.

In 2011, fireworks were the cause of an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. Hundreds of people are sent to the emergency room each year around Memorial Day and the Fourth of July when firework displays are the most common, and hands and fingers are the body parts that are most commonly injured. Be sure to never let children use fireworks, and to always keep a safe distance from launch sites.  Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not completely ignited, and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to put out any small fires.

The safest way to enjoy a spectacular firework show this Memorial Day Weekend is to leave the firework displays to the professionals, and check out these shows and celebrations across Long Island:

Friday through Monday

• The Comsewogue for Students Foundation Carnival is being held at JFK Middle School in Port Jefferson Station, and will be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for multiple chances to see fireworks.  Admission is free, but bring money to go on the rides and enjoy delicious food.  The festival is open Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1p.m. to 11 p.m., and Monday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fireworks will start at sundown each day.

Saturday, May 24

• Come on down to Greenport High School for an awesome fireworks display at 10 p.m.  The rain date is Sunday, May 25, and admission is free.
• North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington is hosting a concert with a band playing 70s, 80s, and 90s music from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Fireworks will be launched from barges in the harbor right after sunset, and parking is $5 per vehicle.
• Saturday is also the Brookhaven Town Fair at Bald Hill in Farmingville, which includes entertainment, food, rides, and of course, fireworks, which will begin after dusk. Admission is $8 per person.

Looking for more options for Memorial Day Weekend Fun?
Be sure to check out this year's great Memorial Day Weekend Family Fun Guide!