Ocean City officials have turned a labor shortage into an advantage by splitting its upcoming Independence Day fireworks shows over two days and adding a very special guest for the second night.
The firework company contracted to provide fireworks for the holiday celebrations originally both set for July 4 told officials that labor shortages resulted in having inadequate staff to host the events as expected. Now town officials have decided to split the shows over two days.
“You know what they say when things don’t go as planned,” said City Manager Terry McGean, “you make a new plan, which is exactly what we’ve done.”
The fireworks shows for the resort are now set for July 3 and July 5.
On July 3, an “intimate” Independence Day celebration is planned at Northside Park during Sundaes in the Park, featuring a 7 p.m. concert by Mike Hines & the Look, followed by a condensed firework show at 9 p.m.
On July 5 at 8 p.m., “American Idol” star and Salisbury native Jay Copeland will take the stage at Northside Park.
THE 80’s:Legendary Ocean City DJ Mike ‘DJ Batman’ Beatty dies after bout with cancer
PHOTOS:Ocean City Air Show performers wow large crowd with aerial exploits
Downtown on July 5, Ocean City will feature music beginning at 8 p.m. and fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m. The show will include new fireworks elements by Celebration Fireworks Company. Due to the height of the new fireworks display, visitors should view the show from the beach between the fishing pier and Third Street.
Ocean City is not the only town experiencing issues with its fireworks display this year. Vienna, Virginia, also experienced a similar issues with its vendor due to labor shortage; the town moved its celebration to July 1, according to WNBC-TV4.
JAY COPELAND:‘American Idol’ star Jay Copeland lands next big gig, opening for a true R&B legend
MORE JAY:‘Your city loves you, Jay’: Huge crowd turns out for ‘American Idol’ star’s homecoming
In addition, supply chain issues and climbing prices are affecting the availability of fireworks as the Fourth of July holiday approaches across the nation. Overall, costs are up 35% across the firework industry, although the American Pyrotechnics Association estimates more than 16,000 fireworks displays will be produced this Fourth of July, The Associated Press reports.
Ocean City had high hopes in this year’s fireworks after its 2021 beach display was unintentionally discharged during setup. Out of caution, many area fireworks displays were canceled.
For updated information about both Ocean City’s 2022 events, visit www.ococean.com/events.
Check back with DelmarvaNow.com for updates on July 4 fireworks and events across Delmarva.
