By George P. Hassett

As families looked to the sky yesterday, a fireworks display ushered in an era of new opportunities on the banks of the Mystic River.

The first annual Fireworks on the Mystic, paid for entirely by Assembly Square developers Federal realty, celebrated the many changes new development is expected to bring to the area. 

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and State Rep. Denise Provost both pledged to work for a "swimmable, boatable, fishable" Mystic River in the near future.

Yesterday’s event celebrated those serious possibilities but also included a day of family-oriented fun. Street performers, face painting, ballons and dancing filled the day until the night’s fireworks display.

"I love this stuff," said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone as he looked on. He said he expects the event to grow in the next few years as other communities surrounding the Mystic – including Medford, Malden and Everett – participate.