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Folks peeved after Colonial Heights moves fireworks show to Saturday

Posted at 7:00 PM, Jul 03, 2012
and last updated 2012-07-04 18:19:34-04

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. (WTVR) - Colonial Heights officials announced the city's annual fireworks show scheduled for the Fourth of July is being shifted to Saturday night.

Colonial Heights City Manager Tom Mattis said the fireworks company under contract with the city was unable to hold up its end of the deal -- and that it was simply too late to make alternate arrangements.

Mattis said the city signed a contract with Pyro Engineering dba/Bay Fireworks of Farmingdale, New York this past January -- even shelling out half of the $10,000 fee -- in order to secure the show.

However, Mattis said the company has failed to comply with all legal and statutory requirements, so that they could honor their commitment to the city.

Additionally, Mattis said the city regrets what happened, but that it cannot compromise compliance with laws and regulations.

“This was obviously shocking news for a variety of reasons” said Mattis in a news release. “This is the same company we have worked with for the past two years
with no problems. Unfortunately, we were notified of the problem at such a late date, it did not give us enough time to come up with alternatives that would allow the show to go on as originally scheduled.”

Saturday's show will be located in the vicinity of Charles Dimmock Parkway in Colonial Heights and will start around 9:15 p.m.

Officials said the best places to see the fireworks are from off Interstate 95, Exit 53 or 54 in the Southgate Square/WalMart Area.

Mattis said folks are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and find a comfy spot to watch the show.

For more information,call Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks at 804-520-9390.