July 4 fireworks in Oak Ridge rescheduled to Sunday

The July 4 fireworks in Oak Ridge have been rescheduled from Thursday to Sunday, an official said Tuesday.

“After consulting with the National Weather Service and our fireworks contractor Pyro Shows, I have made the decision to re-schedule the event,” Oak Ridge Fire Department Chief Darryl Kerley said in a press release. “The community investment is too great for the event to not be spectacular.”

He said heavy rain is expected Wednesday and Thursday, and that could cause problems setting up and loading the shells. The rain could also result in misfires during the Independence Day show and make it difficult for residents and visitors to sit outside and enjoy the display.

Also, if lighting was detected within 15 miles of the event, it would be delayed so the Pyro Show, spectators, and city employees could take shelter, Kerley said.

The rescheduled show will be at 7 p.m. Sunday at A.K. Bissell Park.

“Sunday is predicted to be a beautiful day and is the last day of the holiday weekend,” a city press release said. “Folks will be able to get out and enjoy part of the holiday weekend and, after Sunday night activities, have supper, then come and celebrate this great nation’s Independence Day celebration.”

The fireworks will be accompanied with music played live on-site by Merle 96.7 FM. Radio host Jack Ryan will be transmitting live from Bissell Park beginning at 6 p.m. and will conclude the live broadcast with a patriotic medley as the fireworks are shot, the press release said.

The Oak Ridge Community Band has also re-scheduled their patriotic music concert for 7:30 p.m. Sunday evening at the pavilion, the press release said.

The band’s music program will include patriotic tunes, the traditional “1812 Overture,” Broadway tunes, a special presentation of “Benny Goodman: King of Swing,” marches, ragime, and a rousing rendition of “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

For more information, visit the band’s website at www.orcb.org or call (865) 482-3568.