Fireworks, Fair Frustrations Over Southampton Days

UPPER SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — The storm on the Fourth of July has caused a storm in the community with complaints about the last day of Southampton Days.

Like many other Fourth of July events throughout the East Coast, including Philadelphia, communities had to quickly make decisions as impending and severe storms moved into the region.

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The Upper Southampton Police and the Bucks County Emergency Service Departments decided to close the Southampton Days fairgrounds early on the Fourth of July.

"While we know how deeply disappointing it was to end the final night under these circumstances, the safety of our community, guests, vendors, amusement ride staff and volunteers is always our absolute highest priority," said Stephanie Miller, one of the main organizers of the event.

"It was clearly the right call to make and we thank them for keeping an eye out for all of us," Miller said. "As soon as we became aware of the decision, we announced it to those in attendance so they could safely exit the fairgrounds."

Miller said the Southampton Days website was then updated with updates also attempted on its Facebook and Instagram pages at the same time, but those efforts were stymied by a "severe lack of cell service, the digital communications failed to post until much later when connectivity was restored."

For the past few days, community members have complained about the fair's closure and how people paid money to enter, but were not reimbursed.

"People just want refunds for being asked to leave moments after they paid. It’s not unreasonable. Requests for refunds are being ignored," one attendee posted.

Others stated that the fireworks should have been postponed for better weather, but organizers stated that permits prevented having a rain date.

"Imagine spending $5 two days ago and missing a 12-minute fireworks show and still be complaining about it,
another poster said.

"I know everyone is disappointed. Trust me, I was looking forward to the fireworks too. But I think it's important to remember that the people on the Southampton Days Committee are our neighbors," another attendee posted on Facebook. "They're volunteers who spend countless hours planning this event because they love this community — not because they get paid or enjoy making unpopular decisions."

Miller said the Southampton Days Committee spoke with Skelly’s Amusements, Inc. regarding unused tickets.

She said any tickets purchased can be used at the upcoming Middletown Grange Fair this August, or at any other fair or carnival operated by Skelly’s Amusements in the future.

Additionally, you can hold onto your tickets for Southampton Days 2027, which is officially scheduled for July 5–10, 2027.

In regard to the fireworks, Miller said that dedicated volunteers spent countless hours planning "what was supposed to be an incredible grand finale to an amazing week."

"Once the fairgrounds were safely evacuated and completely cleared of pedestrians, the fireworks were launched by trained technicians to prevent a hazardous situation with the live explosives," Miller said.

She said there is no way to “disarm” fireworks once they have been loaded and they cannot be saved for another evening or event.

"Last night (July 4), by any means, was not the way we intended the final day of Southampton Days 2026 to end," Miller said.

"For 54 years, Southampton Days has brought friends together, and we are immensely grateful for everyone who supports us—especially when weather or tough situations arise," Miller said. "Your patience, understanding, and continued support mean the world to our team! We look forward to welcoming you back under clearer skies next year."