SOUTH HAVEN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — South Haven officials have decided to cancel their annual summer fireworks show over concerns of rising lake levels.
City officials say the July 3rd “Light Up The Lake” event will have to be put off as the city prepares for an additional 8 to 10 inches of water by mid-summer, based on projected estimates by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The fireworks show, which is launched from South Haven’s north pier, could be dangerous if wave height gets too high. Elevated lake levels would present challenges for the pyrotechnics team in charge of the display with it unable to do light off the sparks if the pier is partially submerged.
City Manager Brian Dissette told council members on Monday, March 2nd the chance of a delay to a later date was a “growing probability”. South Haven leaders ultimately decided to cancel the show because all factors pointed toward it being unfeasible.
Dissette said in a statement on Thursday, March 5th, “We felt it was important to communicate this decision now so that we didn’t invest time and money into planning an event we won’t be able to host safely.”
Last year the July 3rd display was almost canceled due to high water levels and foggy conditions, but did eventually take place.
The fireworks show is a big seasonal boost for the lakeside city, drawing tens of thousands of visitors in recent years and benefiting local businesses in a community that relies heavily on tourism.
South Haven is considering moving the fireworks to an entirely different season, with a new fireworks display possibly taking place during the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration.
