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Organizers eye weather ahead of Dogwood Dell fireworks show

Posted at 11:57 AM, Jul 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-04 12:22:57-04

RICHMOND, Va – City officials are preparing for the 4th of July fireworks show Monday night at Dogwood Dell.

"For the most part, everybody's moving forward. This isn't their first time in the rodeo,” said James Opher, Richmond Parks and Recreation.

"The same team has been here last year in the rain so they're preparing. There are fire marshals over there now checking over everything, everybody's in place. We're looking forward to a fantastic show,” said Opher.

Even in the rain, vendors started setting up Monday morning. With severe weather on tap later, city officials are working with police to decide if it's safe to be outside.

"We all constantly watching the news," Opher said. "As it gets closer to time, they tell us if there's storm available and if it's a no go."

It'll be a "no go" if there's lightning.

"If it's just rain, unless it's a total downpour, we will move forward,” said Opher.

Last year, it poured just hours before the fireworks show, but still thousands of people came out.

"We have die-hard fans that will be out there with their umbrellas waiting for the fireworks,” said Opher.

Opher says for now, the fireworks show is set to start at 9:30 p.m.

"But if the weather is really bad and we think we have an opening, we may go a little earlier like 9 or 8:30ish if it's dark enough."

Stay with CBS6 for the latest weather updates. We will send a news push if the event goes on earlier than planned. Download our news app here.

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