One of the focal points of summer for me has always been the Fourth of July. I think it’s because I’m a bit of a pyromaniac and have always been attracted to events where people are allowed to blow things up legally. Another plus about watching fireworks is the feeling of community and kinsmenship that seems to envelope the entire audience. I, for one, get this warm fuzzy feeling in my stomach and start thinking, “Aw, we are all in this together” and then I lie my head back down on the warm grass and look up at the night sky.

The downside of the Fourth of July is that it only happens once a year, and for some reason people don’t really appreciate their neighbors firing off firecrackers on the other 364 days. I’m happy to announce though, that Longwood Garden’s will be celebrating summer with a bang. As if its gorgeous expanse of 1,050 acres of gardens and flowers isn’t enough, Kennett Square’s Longwood Gardens will be filling five summer nights with concerts, fountains, and of course, fireworks!

On Sept. 6, Longwood Gardens will host the Khachaturian Cavalcade, featuring the music of Aram Khachturian. The show will include the tuneful Mazurka, Nocturne, Waltz, Romance and Gallop.

On Aug. 8 and Sept. 19, folks can enjoy the sassy songs of ABBA. The show will be a salute to the disco era, playing hits like Dancing Queen, Knowing Me, Knowing You, and Take a Chance on Me.

Tickets are $3 for people 16 years and over ($27 for passholders) and $18 for kids 15 years and under ($12 for passholders). For more information, please visit http://www.longwoodgardens.org/FireworksandFountains2009.html.