Fireworks in Harrisburg. File photo.
Harrisburg will shoot off fireworks for July 4th this year, after taking last year off due to safety incidents.
City Council on Tuesday approved a contract with Bixler Pyrotechnics for an Independence Day fireworks show, while expressing support for increased safety measures at the event.
“Our goal this year is to have a family-friendly, fun and safe show,” explained the city’s Business Administrator, Antonio Megna.
In 2024, the city’s fireworks show was cut short due to the police apprehending several armed individuals, including juveniles. In 2022, masses of people fled the riverfront during the fireworks display after hearing someone yell “gun,” although no firearm was found.
Citing those incidents, Mayor Wanda Williams cancelled the city’s fireworks show last year, instead noting that people could watch the Harrisburg Senators’ fireworks that night.
This year, Megna said that the show would return, but noted that safety is the city’s priority.
The 15-minute fireworks show will close out Harrisburg’s annual Food Trucks & Fireworks Festival in Riverfront Park, which features music, food and family activities.
The fireworks will cost $48,000 and will be covered by Fourth of July event sponsors, Megna said.
“It’s great to have the fireworks back,” said council member Ralph Rodriguez. “It’s always an attraction that brings a lot of people into the city by way of tourism, so it’s always very beneficial.”
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