Culminating Wrangell’s Independence Day celebrations each summer, this year the fireworks show will be rescheduled to the night of July 3.
The Wrangell Chamber of Commerce made the announcement after consulting with Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department, which conducts the pyrotechnics. The department has long supported the explosive display, with volunteers donating time to make sure it goes off safely. Work has to be done the day of the display for safety reasons, and those putting it together are busy for 11 or 12 hours.
“Since the pyrotechnicians are working on the display throughout the day, the area (560 feet radius) is supposed to remain clear of everything besides the pyro crew,” Chamber director Cyni Crary explained in a media release. The distance is the minimum from which people are allowed to be when the fireworks display is out and loaded.
“The highly-trained volunteers are very familiar with the mandatory safety rules and have weighed out all possible options. The volunteer hours that go into setting up a fireworks display actually begins in the month of May, organizing tubes, and loading shells. Most of the work cannot happen until the day of the ‘show,’ and cannot be done ahead of time for safety reasons. The pyrotechnics crew work the entire day of the show until it begins at around 11 p.m.,” she wrote.
The release also included comments from volunteers with the department, explaining their reasons for desiring the reschedule. The comments in part respond to negative comments on social media lodged after the announcement, but also answer questions and alternatives put forward. Due to zoning considerations and safety standards, for instance, city dock remains the best location for setting off the display.
“There is nobody more familiar with the needs and space availability than the people who have been hands on doing it for the past 30-plus years,” said Clay Hammer, one volunteer. They know the options for where and how. They have used mill dock, city dock, Kaers place, barge. They have done it all the ways it can be done and rules continue to get more restrictive. Trust me, they already are very familiar with problems and the options and you are going to enjoy the results of the best solution.”
“I for one am happy to see this change,” said Jordan Buness. “For years the volunteers involved with the fireworks have sacrificed spending the Fourth with their kids and loved ones to provide the caliber of show the public has become accustomed to.”
“We have 10 to 15 people that start right after the parade is done and work until the fireworks are shot,” said Tim Buness, WVFD chief. “We have members that have not seen the rest of the Fourth ever.”
“People get upset when there is change, especially when it comes to the Fourth,” commented Penny Allen, another volunteer. “We’re
very proud of our Fourth. But when I am watching the fireworks this year, I am going to be thankful that all those volunteers who are giving us a show get to spend the Fourth tossing eggs with their daughters, watching their toddlers wobble across the grass for a handful of candy, win their wife a teddy bear, and enjoy homemade root beer and Catholic burgers with their family who is visiting from out of town. I am willing to make this small change in order for those families to get to spend that quality time together.”
“This has been a very thoughtful decision with many factors taken into consideration. This is the best possible solution for not only safety requirements, but the volunteer efforts of those donating their time to put on a spectacular show,” said Crary.
A street dance will still be held before the show. Fireworks will begin at around 11 p.m., continuing past midnight into July 4 proper. Crary explained the rescheduling offers an opportunity for additional activities for the evening of July 3, and the Chamber office is open to suggestions. Check the http://www.wrangellchamber.org website for further event scheduling.
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