Cherry Hill Cancels July 4th Fireworks Show Because Of Safety Concerns
By David Madden
CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBS) - Another South Jersey town has decided to forego fireworks on the Fourth of July. Public safety concerns are the reason behind Cherry Hill's decision.
Over the last few years, several locales around Cherry Hill cancelled their shows, resulting in larger crowds at Cherry Hill West High School's stadium. Camden County also ended an annual display in Cooper River Park in Pennsauken.
Cherry Hill Township spokeswoman Bridget Palmer says police and fire officials recommended the cancellation to municipal officials.
"We were not confident that, if something should go wrong, we would be able to quickly and effectively respond and that was the biggest concern and really the chief factor driving the decision," she said.
And yes, there have been complaints about the township's decision.
"We have heard from a number of residents who are certainly disappointed," she said. Believe me -- the Mayor and the council and the staff here, we are share in that disappointment as well."
Corporate donations that paid for the fireworks show will be used to fund a number of new and expanded summer activities in Cherry Hill.
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