New Hope Borough will be getting a new fireworks show this summer thanks to the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce.
If you want to see fireworks light up the night sky above the Delaware River, the fireworks will be on display for three nights: Saturday, July 1; Friday, August 4; and Friday, September 1.
While New Hope Borough Council members approved the fireworks show, it was not without a fight from local environmentalists.
At Tuesday evening’s council meeting, local environmentalists voiced their concerns and disapproval of the fireworks show.
Hosted by the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and funded by anonymous donors, the fireworks show was created to attract tourism to New Hope Borough while giving everyone an entertaining show to kick back and enjoy over the summer.
Similarly, many other riverside and beach towns host fireworks shows during the summer, including Wildwood and Ocean City, New Jersey.
“We were approached by some anonymous donors who were interested in bringing fireworks back to our community,” said Mary Brashier, the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce’s vice president, according to previous reporting by Patch. “We decided that this is something we would be willing to take on.”
Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce President Michael Sklar was present at the council meeting and represented the chamber as their official spokesperson, advocating for the fireworks show.
The fireworks show will start at 9 p.m. and last for about 10 minutes.
Plans call for preparations for the fireworks to begin around 6 p.m. and the fireworks will be launched into the sky from Waterloo Street.
The chamber of commerce will be working with the New Hope Eagle Fire Company and has been in contact with the mayors of both New Hope Borough and the City of Lambertville to inform them of the event, according to Sklar.
Sklar informed the public that this event would be good for business and bring summer fun back to the borough.
Lori Stagnitto, a Solsebury Township resident and environmentalist in attendance, was against the fireworks show. She brought up the adverse effect of fireworks on wildlife, especially bald eagles.
Stagnitto also reminded everyone that this is a critical time for all animals, and that the river and the wildlife surrounding it should be viewed as a gift. Similarly, she brought up how nature should be considered during the fireworks.
Frank Deluca, another resident in attendance, said that every time New Hope Borough has fireworks, he has to bring his dogs in, turn the TV up, and distract them until the show is over or else they’ll bark. Deluca stated fireworks are bad for pets, wild animals and the environment. He ended his public comment by saying fireworks are a thing of the past and that the council members should think about the environment before voting on this.
Sklar eased their worries by stating that they’re trying to cater to the environment and that they’re willing to work with those opposed so everyone is happy with the event.
Whether the residents in attendance agreed or disagreed with the fireworks show, it was up to the council members to decide whether the show would go on.
In the end, the council approved the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce’s fireworks show with a unanimous vote.
For those worried about parking for the fireworks and how it will affect them, the show’s marketing campaign will explicitly inform tourists of available parking spaces and they’ll direct traffic to different lots, officials said.
Overall, the fireworks will cost $12,500. That’s a lot of dynamite!
Council President Connie Gering wished them good luck on their fireworks show.
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