West Orange July 4th Fireworks Canceled – Or Are They?

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Editor's Note: Read our update to this article here.

Will West Orange hold its fireworks show this year? As a well-known fortune telling device might say: “Reply Hazy, Try Again Later.”

The Township of West Orange planned to hold a public celebration on Tuesday, July 4 at West Orange High School featuring fireworks, food trucks, a kids zone, a DJ and other activities. A rain date was set for July 5. Read More: See Independence Day Fireworks Around West Orange For 2023

At their meeting on Tuesday evening, the town council was scheduled to approve a resolution that authorizes the West Orange Recreation Department to hold the show, which would be put on by Garden State Fireworks. The resolution didn’t involve other activities planned for the town’s gala, only the fireworks display.

But after a short discussion, the resolution didn’t see a vote from the council – putting the fate of this year’s display into jeopardy.

The council cited safety concerns around planning and crowds as the main reason for the hesitancy over the fireworks.

• See Related: Teens Get Minor Injuries During Fight At West Orange Fireworks Show

“We have some safety concerns, we don’t have the mechanisms of control in place, and unfortunately the role of this council is to make sure we put the safety, welfare and health of our residents first,” Council President Tammy Williams said.

“If we vote for this now and we have it – and something goes wrong – it would eat me up,” Councilman Bill Rutherford said.

John Gross, the town’s chief financial officer, told the council that the budget for the entire July 4th celebration comes to about $81,000, although some of that total is related to other activities besides the fireworks show – which is already “committed to.”

“If the council decides not to have the fireworks for the 4th of July, we certainly will have discussions with them to see if there’s any possibility of an alternate date, or what options that we might have … and there may not be any,” Gross said.

Watch the council’s discussion about the fireworks display below (video is cued to the discussion).

MAYOR: ‘SHOCKED AND DISHEARTENED’

Mayor Susan McCartney issued a statement about the fireworks after Tuesday’s council meeting, saying that she plans to “do everything in her power” to ensure the fireworks go on as planned.

McCartney wrote:

“As many have heard, the town council unprecedentedly voted to cancel our annual 4th of July fireworks. I am shocked and disheartened by this move but want to make my position very clear. As mayor, I will do everything in my power to ensure that our fireworks go on as planned. Earlier this week, I have spoken to our police chief, fire chief and superintendent of public schools at an Office of Emergency Management planning meeting, along with the county sheriff's department and township officials, to provide assurances that every major safety and security precaution measure will be put into place for a safe and successful July 4th event. I have called a meeting of my administration [Wednesday] morning to discuss our options on hosting this fireworks display. I have spoken to the council president, who is in favor of having an emergency council meeting scheduled and posted to take this vote on the 4th of July fireworks.”

“I will keep you informed once we have more information,” the mayor continued. “I believe the West Orange fireworks and the small business owners that participate in our 4th of July festivities is one of the many factors that makes West Orange great.”

SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT: ‘A CHERISHED TRADITION’

West Orange School Superintendent Hayden Moore also commented on the fireworks display after Tuesday’s council meeting.

Moore stated:

“I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to address the decision made by the town council to cancel our annual 4th of July fireworks and celebration. I learned about this decision at the same time as the rest of our community, and I understand the disappointment and frustration it may have caused.

“I want to clarify my position on this matter as the superintendent of the West Orange Public School District, a parent and a resident of West Orange. As always, my primary concern is the safety of all individuals who attend this event. Given that the fireworks display is one of the largest in the state of New Jersey and attracts families from all over, I did make a suggestion to the township administration that additional police presence be considered to ensure the safety of all attendees.

“I want to make it clear that at no point did I recommend that the event be canceled. I firmly believe that the 4th of July fireworks and celebration have become a cherished tradition for our community, offering an opportunity for families to come together. It is disheartening to see this celebration canceled, and I empathize with the disappointment many of you may feel.

“As superintendent, I will continue to support initiatives that prioritize the well-being of our students, families, and residents. While I am not responsible for the decision to cancel the event, I will actively engage with the appropriate authorities and community leaders to address any concerns and explore alternatives for future celebrations.”

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