Fireworks To Light Up The Skies This Summer In New Hope-Lambertville

NEW HOPE, PA — For the first time in several years, fireworks will light up the skies over the Delaware River between New Hope and Lambertville this summer.

In a unanimous vote, the New Hope Borough Council on Tuesday gave the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and New Hope Celebrates permission to hold public fireworks displays on Saturday, July 1, Friday, August 4, and Friday, September 1.

“We were approached by some anonymous donors who were interested in bringing fireworks back to our community,” Mary Brashier, the chamber’s vice president told the council. “We decided that this is something we would be willing to take on.”

The 10-minute-long displays will be launched into the sky at about 9:10 p.m. above the Delaware River from a barge located off of the Waterloo Street ramp about 500 feet south of the bridge.

According to chamber president Michael Sklar, the chamber and New Hope Celebrates will be organizing the displays with the assistance of the New Hope Eagle Fire Company and New Hope Lambertville Ambulance. They have also reached out to the mayors and police chiefs of both communities so they are aware of the displays.

During public comment, Lori Stagnitto of Solebury Township asked the council to deny the request, raising concern over the effect noise and light would have on the bird and wildlife population.

“I was quite shocked to see that fireworks were on the agenda tonight. We fought these fireworks for years for the river, the environment, for the wildlife,” she said, raising concern over the impact the fireworks will have on nesting Eagles and herons. “We have to think about the river as a gift to us. That’s one of the reasons we live in this magical place. And what makes it magical is the wildlife and the birds.”

Parking for the shows will be available at New Hope-Solebury High School, Union Square and the Lambertville Station. Some locations may require a nominal fee to ensure quality and security.