New Hope Chamber
of Commerce/
Fireworks Committee
June 17 was the first time the fireworks were cancelled due to weather.
June 24 was the second. That night, they were cancelled because of high water levels in the Delaware River.
The most important principle in delivering Friday Night Fireworks is safety. When we are able to ensure the well being of those who volunteer to deliver the fireworks, we go onto the next objective; pleasing our wonderful audiences with a 10-minute magnificent display of fireworks.
For the first time in 20 scheduled Friday Night Firework shows, the event was cancelled June 17 due to impending thunderstorms being tracked by our Fireworks Committee on a series of weather channels. With two of that week’s evenings experiencing severe storms and high winds, our weather stations were calling for more of the same for that Friday.
Friday Night Fireworks takes over 13 hours (10 a.m.-11 p.m.) of preparation and the coordination of over 50 volunteers from both towns to make this event happen every week. We follow a very strict protocol, required by the United States Coast Guard, our borough fire marshal, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission and our local police and fire officers each week to make sure the fireworks go off safely and spectacularly. On Fridays at noon a decision is made with regard to safe weather. Then, the barge gets loaded at 4:30 p.m. to give ample time to make sure all protocols are followed and safety measures are in place. Once the barge is loaded with fireworks, we assume financial responsibility. The fireworks cost approximately $950 per minute.
Severe weather creates a safety issue on the river. From 7:30-11 p.m., we have a seven-person crew on the river. These persons tow the barge in preparation for the display and then reposition the barge at the end the show with the aid of safety boats securing the waters surrounding the barge and two pyro-technicians to set off the fireworks.
The show cannot take place in severe wind or thunderstorm/lightning activity. That week, we delayed the go/no-go decision until 2 p.m. hoping the predicted weather fronts would pass over the New Hope-Lambertville area. At 2 p.m., the weather forecast showed an 80 percent chance of severe thunderstorms through 6 p.m. and thunderstorms throughout the evening. Therefore, a decision to cancel was made. Severe thunderstorms did wreak havoc in many surrounding areas but luckily missed New Hope and Lambertville.
There are too many names to mention — people who perform this schedule of protocols of presenting our communities with this amazing two-town extravaganza that the New Hope and Lambertville Chambers of Commerce put on every summer Friday night. We would like to thank everyone who has enthusiastically worked as a volunteer. Without your hard work, Friday Night Fireworks could never happen.
Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and www.NewHopeLambertvilleFireworks.com for news updates and cancellations. Thank you for your continued support and here’s to clear skies!
