The Fireworks Committee has announced details about the Fourth of July Fireworks and Harbor Illumination event.
The Fireworks Committee is an all-volunteer organization, and the fireworks display is 100% privately funded via donations.
“We thank the many businesses, clubs, civic organizations, and individual citizen donors who have already contributed to the 2024 fireworks display,” according to the event’s press release.
The sun will set on July 4 at approximately 8:25 p.m. The Harbor Illumination is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. when flares are lit all around the perimeter of the harbor, creating a ring of light that sets the stage for the main event, according to the press release.
At 9:15 p.m., the fireworks will be launched off a barge at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor, creating viewing opportunities for the public from the parks at Fort Sewall, Chandler Hovey Park, and Crocker Park, as well as from boats.
The release advised that boaters should take the rising tide into consideration when anchoring for the fireworks. High tide on July 4 is at 10:53 a.m. and low tide is at 4:39 p.m.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Marblehead Harbormaster have established a safety perimeter around the fireworks barge, so caution should be taken when entering or leaving Marblehead Harbor during the holiday. The release advised attendees to avoid the safety zone that will be marked by four orange marker buoys and patrolled by a volunteer civilian barge patrol flying orange privileged vessel flags.
Marblehead firefighter John Laquin said the safest way to experience the Fourth of July is to not set off fireworks.
“Just be smart,” he added.
If the fireworks must be canceled due to severe weather conditions, an announcement will be posted on the website marbleheadfire.works. The rain date is planned for July 5. For more information on traffic updates and public-safety issues, follow the Marblehead Police Department on Twitter @Mheadpolice or Facebook. Follow the Marblehead Fireworks on Twitter @MHDFireworks or on Facebook for updates throughout the day on July 4.
A special notice to operators of recreational or commercial “drones” (sUAS) is now also available at https://marbleheadfire.works/drones
The committee has not raised sufficient funds for the event.
“If you have not yet given, please consider donating now! You can send your donation via check payable to the Town of Marblehead, with “Fireworks” in the memo line, and mail it to Abbot Hall. This is a tax-deductible contribution. You can also donate online at https://fireworksforever.org or via @marbleheadfireworks on Venmo,” the release reads.