Lewes approves Fourth of July fireworks

If all goes to plan, bombs will be bursting in air in Lewes next Fourth of July. 

Lewes Mayor and City Council unanimously approved the concept of an Independence Day fireworks display Sept. 11. The planning and fundraising responsibilities have been passed on to the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. 

“I’m really excited to work on it and a little nervous since it’s the first time,” said Betsy Reamer, executive director of the chamber. “But I have complete faith that the people involved will make this very successful.” 

The chamber will form two committees related to fireworks – one for fundraising and another for logistics. Mayor Ted Becker has agreed to serve on the organization committee. Reamer anticipates other essential personnel will also be involved, such as representatives from police, fire and EMS. 

The idea of a sanctioned fireworks display in Lewes has been met with positive response. Resident Russ Palmer presented city council with a list of 38 businesses and individuals who are willing to contribute. Local business owner Paul Evalds and his wife Debra have committed to paying for the entire cost of police, fire and EMS.

Reamer plans to work toward a budget of $40,000 to $45,000 for the first year, but she said the already-committed donations could bring the number down. 

Fundraising will likely go through the Greater Lewes Foundation. Information will be released once the account has been set up, Reamer said. 

Preliminary work for the display is well underway. At an Aug. 31 workshop, Becker said he spoke to four pyrotechnics companies, including a small regional business and the country’s top fireworks company. Becker said each company was consistent in saying that a show should last 15 to 20 minutes and it typically costs about $1,000 per minute to put on a show. 

Expenses will also include police and emergency personnel as well as extra materials or equipment needed to put on the show, such as a barge. 

Aaron Jackson, owner and operator of Brothers Pyrotechnics, attended the workshop and said a barge is the most likely option for Lewes because it would allow city officials to keep the beach open during a very busy day.

Becker said there is a sense of urgency to solidify a plan for fireworks because they should reserve a barge soon if they need one.

Another option, he said, is a laser show or silent fireworks. The city received a letter from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Sept. 11 urging city officials to reconsider a fireworks display. 

In the letter, Tracy Reiman, executive vice president of PETA, calls for Lewes to create a stress-free environment for the city’s human and animal residents. 

“During traditional fireworks displays, many dogs panic and become frantic as they try to escape the loud noise, and some have been known to jump through glass windows or over fences, ending up becoming lost or being seriously hurt or even killed,” she said. “Loud fireworks displays can also scare wildlife onto roads, where they're at risk of being hit or killed by vehicles.”

Reiman added that traditional fireworks can be harmful to veterans and others suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. 

“I would expect the committee will consider that as an option,” Becker said. 

One resident said the city should consider taking the money and using it elsewhere.

“It seems to me that the money could be better spent on land preservation,” he said.