Fireworks Now Won’t Happen July 4th in This Minnesota City

Fireworks on the Fourth of July are a given, right? Except in this popular Minnesota city, which just announced that its annual fireworks display won't be happening on the 4th this year.

Those colorful and loud explosions that light up the sky over the Land of 10,000 Lakes each Fourth of July aren't exactly a new thing. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), an industry group that promotes fireworks and their safe usage, the first fireworks date back nearly three thousand years ago to China!

The APA noted that fireworks made their way to Europe in the 13th century where they were used for religious festivals and public entertainment. Early U.S. settlers brought their love of fireworks to the New World where they were part of the very first Independence Day, and have been a part of our Fourth of July celebrations ever since, the APA said.

But fireworks will NOT be a part of any Fourth of July festivals in this popular Minnesota city this year, and we have Mother Nature to thank. According to a post on the city's website, Stillwater, Minnesota said its annual fireworks show over the St. Croix River ain't happening this year.

SEE ALSO: Just Which Fireworks Are Legal in Minnesota?

At least, not on the 4th of July, that is, and it's because of recent flooding in that Washington County community. According to the city of Stillwater's website:

Unfortunately, due to flooding in Lowell Park, the City of Stillwater will need to postpone the 4th of July fireworks and festivities.  Downtown Stillwater is still open for business and the city will communicate a new date for fireworks and associated events when that is available.

Stillwater mayor Ted Kozlowski explained more about the city's decision on his Facebook page, saying:

Super bummed but we have to postpone our 4th of July celebration in downtown Stillwater. The flooding is going to make our park unusable, MNDot closed the lift bridge for pedestrians and we would not be able to have the bands, cannons and vendors were used to having.

Get our free mobile app

However, neither of those posts said the fireworks celebration was CANCELLED this year-- it's just been postponed. So while it won't be happening on the 4th of July this year, they're likely to be rescheduled later this year once those flood waters recede.

Listen to Curt St. John & Samm Adams
weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. on Quick Country 96.5