Everyone thought it was cancelled because the police department told everyone it was cancelled... we stayed anyway because it only sprinkled and there was no lighting or thunder.... glad we did'nt listen to the police, it was a great display.....

I'm so glad all this commotion is about some people missing out on a fireworks display and not about someone getting hurt or fights breaking out at the carnival! What a difference a couple of years makes!

What a nice "cover your ass" statement. Like a true politician he glosses over what really happened and spins it to sound like the law abiding citizens were "misinformed" while holding no one accountable. I encourage everyone who missed the Havre de Grace fireworks due to the incompetence of the fireworks committee and the Havre de Grace police department to make the drive down to Dundalk next 4th of July to see how fantastic that community celebrates with an awesome fireworks display. The last few years at Havre de Grace has been horrible with the "gangs" of young and unruly teenagers acting up and being disrespectful. It has really become a place NOT to take young children to see the fireworks and after this year I will not waste my time. See you all next year at Dundalk!

Truly a no win

Hey BigC137, how about you and your mullet just stay in Dundalk. Many of us in Havre de Grace believe that this was one of the best Fourth of Julys EVER!! What happened with the miscommunication was sad and unfortunate, but that was all it was....miscommunication. Only a mullet sporting stud like yourself would have the ignorance to belittle a group of volunteers that have worked hard all year to make this annual event a reality. Seruiously, cheer up and buy a velvet Elvis portrait for your living room.

Truly a no win situation. Radar looking bad and a warning from Nat'l Weather Service makes it prudent to take some preemptive action. It's unfortunate that those involved didn't have the benefit of an extra 30 minutes to see what would transpire.Everyone involved has done a great job to make improvements every year since the fracas that took place several years ago. BigC if you think that Dundalk holds the answer, hit the road. You should remember that
in addition to the police a cadre of VOLUNTEERS work tirelessly to make that event happen each year. I think that they do a pretty darn good job. I stayed and enjoyed a great show. It's a shame your night was ruined but really - get over it.

This year's event was awesome. And yes, there was confusion and misinformation resulting in some folks being highly disappointed. But sometimes I think we need to keep things in perspective... and to teach our children the same. It wasn't fire, flood, loss of life or limb. I've been attending the entire Parade Day events right thru to the fireworks at the park since 1997, and I've not been afraid or disappointed. Come on folks, let's get bothered by the really important things.With all the serious weather results around our nation, this is not one of those things to be overly upset over. The committee does a GREAT job. Communication at something like this is challenging to say the least. And most of all, I'm thankful the storm didn't hit. I guess if I had to choose, I'd rather hear your disappointed rumblings than be reading about a tragedy. Looking forward to next year's event!

Hey Tom, I was not mad at the volunteers. I was mad at the officials who ruined most everybody's night due to a poor decision. I understand why you are not mad. You got to see the fireworks that were canceled! Oh that's right they were not canceled.

Hey Jason, nice job. You assume I am from Dundalk and go on to make stereotypical ignorant remarks about velvet Elvis paintings while calling me ignorant for stating my opinion. Also, here is the correct way to spell....SERIOUSLY.Take a good look in the mirror and remember WHY we celebrate the 4th of July. One of the reasons is Freedom of Speech! My guess is you saw the fireworks just like Tom so you both have no reason to be upset and should not be criticizing the folks who's night was ruined by the poor decision making of the officials.

I can't believe what I'm reading on here. The people we have in place to keep our city safe, where given information Sunday night. The information they received could have had deadly results. Seriously, what is more important, watching fireworks (if you seen them once, they are all the same) or lives. This city has just lost a teenager several weeks ago. What would have happened if a young child was struck by lighting and killed? Does anybody want that on their shoulders? So, the information was wrong and some people had to miss out. I'm sorry for those people but, the bottom line is the right decision was made. Before we all know it, it will be New Year's and the fire works will be at the Duck Drop. This season has been the deadliest for storms across the US in a long time. I think the right call was made when you weight out the pros and cons. So, if some people want to leave town for other fireworks go right ahead.

On a side note, if people want to complain about something, touch on these problems. Two fire trucks were damaged going to calls, an 8 year old was struck by a car, and a police officer was almost struck by a car after the fireworks. So my question is, are the fireworks really worth it? So many problems surrounding the fireworks then you have people complaining about everything.

Many of our Nation's large colleges provide good examples of how to implement a fast and efficient mass urgent communications system. How bout that Casey Anthony verdict?

I'm going to repeat myself here for the people who just don't get it. The RIGHT decision was made to evacuate. If you watch the weather like everyone else does, you know it can change in a heartbeat. Ok, so this time it changed and we didn't get the severe weather. What if at the last minute, it changed again, and someone died because someone made the decision NOT to evacuate? If you want to go to another town and watch their fireworks next year, please do. I hope their officials make the RIGHT decision if this happens to them. If not, I guess you will be on here bitching about that too.

I simply think that upon canceling, the fireworks should have been rescheduled. Had they been rescheduled, everyone would have understood and been happy.

Shawn,

I agree! As I said yesterday, it's clear to me that the people involved acted in good faith and in what they perceived was the best interests of the public and in public safety.

A few years ago, HdeG was on TV because of a riot at the Fireworks. We would have been on TV again if the crowds had been caught in a major storm and people had been hurt.

Our committee and the folks charged with protecting the public safety do need to collaborate better in the future. I don't say that by way of pointing a finger at anyone. I think everyone worked hard,did their best and made calls based on the public interest. But I do think there is a lesson to be taken from this.

I don't think there's a need for finger pointing.

I will reiterate my comment from the "Flub of July" article as I believe it bears repeating:
"I have read all the complaints, concerns and criticisms of the Havre de Grace & Harford Co. authorities that made the decision to originally cancel the fireworks and the thing that resonates is that many are labelling the decision as "hasty". I for one, commend the Chief of Police, the 4th of July Committee and the Harford Co. Emegency authorities that did act in haste regarding the safety of the visitors and citizens of Havre de Grace, regardless of how things turned out. Safety is paramount over recreation, folks...there will be other years and other fireworks."

I'd also like to add that those that are still lamenting over the Havre de Grace officials' decision to err on the side of safety...I'm sorry, but folks, you need to get over this entitlement attitude! The 4th of July Fireworks was a community offering that just didn't pan out, whether it was a miscommunication or weather issue, is inmaterial. It was a "damned if we do, or damned if we don't" situation and I for one, am so very thankful that we have a police department, Harford County emergency operations department and a 4th of July Committee that put the lives and safety of it's citizens and visitors above all recreation. I mean, c'mon, people...like it or not, the officials made a judgment call based on the knowledge that they had at the time. It's not the end of the world...it's a celebration, not a complaint feast.

we were told by a police officer wile we were walking to the park that the fireworks had been canceled, not postponed. So we walked home just to hear the fireworks start going off about 5 minutes after we got back :(

As someone who studies meteorology, I can tell you the thunderstorm was not at threat at 8:45pm when it was cancelled. The threat was over by 7:45pm. The sprinkes of rain at 8:45pm were the remains of a cell that had died over an hour earlier. The information the police got was old and incorrect. But they went on what they had and it unfortunitely it wasted everyone's time aggrivation and money, and they slapped us in the face by having it anyway. But they were stuck between a rock and a hard place. The good news is next year we will all have our nifty EZ-Pass devices for the hatem bridge that we will pay $54 a year for. Can't wait!

As someone who studies meteorology, I can tell you the thunderstorm was not at threat at 8:45pm when it was cancelled. The threat was over by 7:45pm. The sprinkes of rain at 8:45pm were the remains of a cell that had died over an hour earlier. If anything police did not act quick enough. If it had been the real deal, we'd all have been stuck in a dangerous thunderstorm. The information the police got was old and incorrect. But they went on what they had and it unfortunitely it wasted everyone's time aggrivation and money, and they slapped us in the face by having it anyway. But they were stuck between a rock and a hard place. The good news is next year we will all have our nifty EZ-Pass devices for the hatem bridge that we will pay $54 a year for. Can't wait!

I understand that Bill, and I just want to say 2 things: I believe that either the Patch or the Mayor of HdG did address and explain why the fireworks were carried out after the cancellation and really, is an apology necessary in light of the knowledge that we have of what happened and how things played out? I just think that people are too quick to judge, criticize and execute. It simply was unfortunate that so many were inconvenienced but I didn't walk in the officials' shoes that had the authority over the decisions that affected the fireworks and hindsight is 20/20 and many lessons learned, I"m sure. It's time to move on, me thinks...

This is an open forum. There is a reply option for that reason. People are encouraged to voice their opinions on every issue presented here. That is the purpose of a "reply box"!

Again, I think everyone involved did the best they knew how and with the best of intentions. Hopefully,. moving forward, the Parade Committee, the Police, city government, Hose and Ambulance Corp and Sherrif's office will find a way to coordinate their decision making so this sort of confusion doesn't occurr again.

It's still better to have this tempest in a teapot than to be on TV (again) because somebody got struck by lightening.

Just wish that all this energy spent rehashing the fireworks was spent on something productive, like release of the full City five-year-plan results done last year, an answer as to why the water filter plant's south side was left such a mess, and discussion of why the HdG to Conowingo bike/hike trail, worth millions in City revenue, isn't under construction. There are real problems and real missed opportunities that we can really do something about. -Walter

While I certainly enjoy opinion, I will refuse to comment on statements that I find irritating. One thing is certain and fact, The Havre de Grace Independence Day Committee has no say or power over emergency services. Please read posts from Carolyn Narvell, Chairperson for the Committee and have the decency to leave the Committee out of your comments and finger-pointing direction.

If you feel your knowledge and input could be useful, then I encourage you to join the all volunteer Committee. From my past experience on the committee I can tell you that there is no deeper heart ache than those who have worked endlessly all year to make this happen for you,(for free) than those on the committee who are faced with bad weather, rain or lightning.

I have been drenched in downpours on parade monitor and sweat soaked from 100+ degree heat. Trust that no one on the committee wants to see a years work down the tube, not to mention the financial loss- which, unless you volunteer, is hard to even conceptualize. The expenses are huge and probably have tripled from the time I volunteered.

Want to make a difference? Volunteer and bring your new ideas, the committee needs you. There are only 358 days left to top the past and make a difference for your City, it's residents and guests.

I (personally) do feel that Carolyn Narvell's comments generally put things to rest. The general public (IMO) knows little of the aspects involved, and I for one feel that the matter was sufficiently explained.

I don't think it was anyone's fault (except the police did base a decision off bad info from the NWS). But they aren't METs so they don't know. But I am not sure why we should have sympathy for the corporations losing money? They should plan for that stuff. What about the general public who lost money? I am also think that people have a right to be annoyed at the situation. Not at anyone, but annoyed in general. I guess we should not have been annoyed at all and have sympathy for the corporations. Makes sense.

Thanks Carolyn Narvell, You have given the only logical answer to the question of “why” they were launched after being cancelled.

“Our fireworks company has numerous other shows to do on the 4th. You can't just leave fireworks sitting around… They MUST be guarded …. Our carnival was not scheduled to stay another day … no light, no food, no power... holding the fireworks off was not an option. If they had not been shot that evening they would not have been shot at all.”

That’s the answer I was looking for: “If they had not been shot that evening they would not have been shot at all.”

My assumption was correct, “we already paid for it, and the guy was standing there with a lit match”

Now I understand.

James, which corporation are you referring to? Jolly Shows? Understand that the profits from Jolly Shows pays for a large portion of the expenses for the entire day, not just the fireworks. If the carnival is closed for inclement weather then the Committee ends up in the red. It is extremely complex. Just think about the cost of trash removal from Tydings Park to all points surrounding the parade route that alone is thousands of dollars.

I am not sure how it can be justified that the public lost money? It's your choice to spend. Frustration or disappointment I do agree with. There are many great talking points and I am sure that it will be on the agenda for the Committee to be improved upon for next year.

Actually you are somewhat correct, the current budget has an allocation of $3,500.00 to the Committee and then there is the $30- $50,000.00 (we do not have the numbers compiled yet) that was spent in Police and DPW services.

The fireworks and festivities were fantastic in Kansas. Sorry to hear of the unfortunate circumstances back in my home town. I'm not privy to the specifics, but I would suggest that the conversation would be far different had authorities done nothing and people were hurt. Serving the public is a tough responsibility at any level of office. Those that make these tough decisions have families just like you, and they make the best decision possible with the information at hand to ensure the public safety. Perhaps a review of communications procedures is warranted. Lambasting those that are working hard to serve you does not solve any problems. Remember, Independence Day is a celebration of our freedoms that yes, include the freedom to complain about our government. But we are the government in a free society, and those in authority are part of "we" within our community. So give them a break and wish your fellow American a very happy Independence Day.