The Huntsville Item, Huntsville, TX

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June 27, 2011

City says fireworks too risky

By Tori Brock Staff Reporter

HUNTSVILLE —



The skies over Huntsville will be quiet this Independence Day as drought conditions have forced the city to reconsider a fireworks show.

City Manager Bill Baine made the decision to cancel this year's show on Monday, one week before the Fourth of July. Had he waited until later in the week to make the decision, Baine said, the city could have lost the $15,000 worth of fireworks it ordered.

“If I don't cancel them now, I could lose the fireworks entirely and the money we paid,” he said. “I'd like to reschedule them for our Christmas celebration during the Winter in the Park events. I think it will be something for citizens to look forward to.”

Other events the city planned for 4 to 8 p.m. Monday will still be held, including a rock wall, face painting, balloon art and karaoke. There will also be free hot dogs, snow cones, cotton candy and drinks while they last.

Baine said the city already paid half the $15,000 fireworks cost and is obligated to pay the other half. If the fireworks can't be rescheduled for Christmas, he said he'd like to see them be used for New Year's events.

By canceling the fireworks a week early, Baine said he ensured that the city would see fireworks this year, even if they are a few months late.

“We were obligated to cancel within a week of the event. I'm pretty much forced to cancel,” he said. “We only got a couple of inches of rain last week and we were 14 inches behind in rainfall. I put off making the decision because I was hoping we'd get some rain.”

The fireworks celebration is traditionally held at Kate Barr Ross Park. Several surrounding farms and the nearby Wynne Unit influenced Baine's decision to cancel this year's show.

“We are surrounded by land,” he said. “We have 2,700 incarcerated folks adjacent to it. You have to think about what's responsible.”

Kim Barnes, recreation coordinator for the city, said the city's family friendly celebration will still be a fun time for folks of all ages.

“It's going to be at the Kate Barr Ross Park gazebo where it's always been,” she said. “We still have a lot of family fun. It's a free program and we want the community to come celebrate with us. Nobody can shoot off fireworks, but we can still come out and at least enjoy the day.”

Barnes encourages people to bring coolers, blankets and chairs to enjoy the day's events. No alcohol or glass bottles are allowed in the park.

The Fourth of July celebration, scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m., is sponsored by the city of Huntsville, RSC Rental Equipment and Wal-Mart.  For more information, contact Barnes at (936) 294-5725 or log onto www.huntsvilletx.gov.

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