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Cities and towns cross their fingers on fireworks shows

E-mail|Link|Comments () July 3, 2009 03:28 PM

By Michaela Stanelun, Globe Correspondent

Officials in cities and towns around Massachusetts are keeping an eye to the sky, hoping that colorful pyrotechnics and not rain will fill the skies tonight and tomorrow at Fourth of July fireworks events.

In Gloucester, where the Horribles Parade and Grand Fireworks is planned for tonight, Police Officer Larry Ingersoll said, "Once the fireworks are in the tubes, which should be around 4 or 5 p.m., they have to be used."

Ingersoll added, "I've never seen the parade canceled and I'm not sure what would happen if it rained."

But in Worcester, officials worried about the weather forecast have decided to postpone celebrations until Sunday, July 5. Fireworks are expected to begin at 9:30 p.m. The Bell Hill park will open at 6 p.m. that day and the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m.

In Needham, dispatcher Matthew Doukis said, "I don't believe the events will be canceled." Food tents are to be set up and music played tonight, with fireworks exploding at nightfall. The rain date will be July 10.

Barnstable is planning on shooting off its fireworks on the Fourth of July, rain or shine, around 9 p.m. The fireworks will be shot over Lewis Bay.