He’s looking for an appropriate event to reschedule pyrotechnics
By Ed Nadolski
Editor in Chief
Shortly after making the decision Monday to cancel the City of Burlington’s Independence Day fireworks display due to potential fire hazard posed by the dry conditions, Mayor Bob Miller was brainstorming alternatives dates for the display.
After all, this just happens to be the year the City Council – at the mayor’s suggestion – voted to double the amount spent on the display from $5,000 to $10,000.
Now, the task for the mayor and city staff is finding an appropriate event at which to launch the pyrotechnics.
On Monday Miller said he is considering several suggestions.
He said he planned to talk with representatives of the city’s various civic organizations to gauge the interest in hosting a citywide block party at the ChocolateFest grounds. The event would conclude with the fireworks display.
Among the other ideas considered are including the fireworks with the new B-Town Sounds Thursday night concert series in Echo Park or in conjunction with some other event held in the park.
In the past, the Independence Day fireworks display had been launched over Echo Lake from a remote area of the park.
However due to the need for a larger area to accommodate the launch of the display this year, officials made the decision to move the launch area to the ChocolateFest grounds, according to city Fire Inspector John Niederer.
Venetian night display still on
The city’s fireworks postponement does not impact the Venetian Night fireworks display scheduled for July 7 at Browns Lake, according to town Fire Chief Ed Umnus. However, lake residents are asked not to display flares on their piers or property as has been done in previous years.
The Venetian Night display is launched over the water and should not pose a fire hazard unless the wind is strong enough to carry embers over land.
Communities throughout the area imposed temporary burning bans due to the dry conditions. The following list was issued by the Racine County Communications Department Monday:
Town of Burlington; City of Burlington; Village of Caledonia; Town of Dover Village of Mt. Pleasant; Town of Norway; Town of Raymond; Village of Rochester; Village of Sturtevant; Village of Union Grove; Town of Waterford; Village of Waterford; and Town of Yorkville.
Similar bans have been issued in Spring Prairie and Lyons in Walworth County.
In general, the orders ban all outdoor fires including campfires, charcoal grills and private fireworks of any kind.
For more detailed information about each municipality’s burning ban, call the municipality or visit its website.
Racine County has also issued a temporary burning ban in all Racine County parks and campgrounds.
Additional information is available by contacting the Racine County Public Works and Development Services Department at (262) 886-8440 or [email protected].
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