Fireworks In West Orange For 2024? Here’s What We Know So Far

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Will there be a town-sponsored fireworks show in West Orange for the Independence Day holiday? For now, it looks like the answer is no.

The township has held highly attended July 4th events featuring fireworks in the past. But this year, it doesn’t appear that they’re on the menu.

On Monday, Patch reached out to township officials to see if there will be a local fireworks show in West Orange for 2024. We got the following reply – which made no mention of “fireworks”:

“The Administration, Office of Emergency Management and the Township's Recreation Directors have already met to discuss avoiding any recurring incident as occurred last year and to design a plan for a safe and fun Fourth of July celebration. We have decided to move the event to the new library location at 10 Rooney Circle featuring various music bands, food trucks and family-friendly activities. More details to follow.”

In 2022, a teenage feud that began on social media turned physical at West Orange’s 4th of July fireworks show. Minor injuries were received by some, but they all refused medical attention. All the reporting juvenile victims lived in Essex County, but were not West Orange residents, authorities previously reported. See Related: Teens Get Minor Injuries During Fight At West Orange Fireworks Show

In 2023, the town council saw some controversy over that year’s fireworks display due to safety concerns around planning and crowds. West Orange eventually decided to move forward with the fireworks show, with plans to “double” police presence at the event. Read More: The Show Will Go On (West Orange Council OKs Fireworks)

That event, held at the high school, ended with multiple minor injuries and a person being sent to the hospital for burn treatment when attendees set off unauthorized fireworks in the crowd, authorities said. Read More: Fireworks Cause Injuries At West Orange July 4th Show

COUNTY FIREWORKS SHOWS

Essex County recently announced the schedule for its annual free Summer Music Concert Series, which will include three fireworks and music “spectaculars” this year. Learn more here.

The 2024 schedule includes:

• Friday, June 28 – New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Branch Brook Park (Newark/Belleville)
• Tuesday, July 2 – Men of Soul, Weequahic Park (Newark)
• Wednesday, July 3 – The Infernos, Brookdale Park (Bloomfield/Montclair)

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURES

All West Orange municipal offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4 for the holiday.

According to a municipal advisory, there will be no regular trash or recycling pickup. There will be no regular jitney service on July 4, officials noted.

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