Hartford Fireworks Will No Longer Take Place

HARTFORD, CT — Riverfront Recapture has announced it will no longer hold fireworks displays on the Fourth of July due to safety concerns, according to a statement from the company.

“This constantly evolving event has grown in attendance and exceeds the capacity of our parks. We are disappointed as this is one of our most popular events but the safety of our park visitors, and our parks, is paramount,” Michael Zaleski, Riverfront Recapture’s President & CEO, said in a statement.

Over the past twenty years significant development has taken place around Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. Parking lots that were once available for viewing the fireworks are now occupied by new buildings and popular attractions like the Connecticut Science Center.

The significantly expanded tree canopy on the plaza and along the river has also decreased the amount of available viewing space, according to the statement. Now, a larger number of people are congregating in more condensed spaces in the parks and struggling to see the show.

“We have had to admit to ourselves that we can no longer welcome tens of thousands of people to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza for a fireworks show on the river and ensure both good viewing and safe egress at the conclusion of the show,” said Zaleski. “There are times when tough choices have to be made, especially in light of the well-publicized recent cuts to our budget. It’s disappointing to lose a great fireworks show but we still have a robust year of events to come.”