Wrangell’s 3rd of July fireworks move to baseball field

This year’s 4^th of July celebration in Wrangell will look a little different. The fireworks show held on the 3^rd will move to a new location. The show that has gone off at City Dock is moving to the baseball field at Volunteer Park.

The local Chamber of Commerce and the Volunteer Fire Department made a joint decision to switch the location of the fireworks show.

Wrangell Chamber of Commerce Director Aleisha Holder says the Fire Department has been butting up against the guidelines of its pyrotechnics permit at City Dock. The permit mandates a certain fallout parameter around the point of launch for these displays. That buffer should be free of persons and structures. Holder said those in the fire crew who volunteer to put on the pyrotechnics did not feel comfortable continuing at City Dock because of this.

The baseball field was decided as a better site.

The chamber plans to release further details on nearby viewing areas, blocked off areas, parking and more by the end of the month. Holder is working on a visual display to distribute to the public.

The chamber met with the city last week on this topic. The city says it will call on Public Works and Parks and Recreation to prep Volunteer Park and the surrounding streets for the event.

Fireworks will again be held on the 3^rd.

The Fire Department did not respond to our request for comment.