Fireworks for Labor Day or Christmas?

Potentially dangerous heat and dry conditions forced Elm Grove to cancel its usual Fourth of July fireworks show, leaving administrators with a tough choice about where to fit a new show in in the future.

On Tuesday, the Village Board requested a special meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee to discuss two possible options.

One would be to have it Labor Day weekend, but concerns about attendance and the potential for continued drought conditions have left some village officials with doubts.

The alternative is not without its own flaws. Mary Inden, the head of the committee that puts on the Fourth of July festivities, discussed a possible scenario with the board that would pair the fireworks with the annual Christmas in the Grove celebration or other preholiday festivities in November.

Potential for rain or even snow and ice so late in the fall was cause for hesitation on the part of Village Board members, although it was a well-received idea overall.

Either would require a major rescheduling with vendors and volunteers, and decisions will have to be made quickly if a Labor Day celebration is to go forward.

The Rotary Club, for instance, a standard participant in the July 4 party, would have to agree in the next week or two if it wants to be a part of a Sept. 2 show.

A November show would give groups more time, but, Inden said, the planning for those events will be under way shortly.

Elm Grove already has paid for the fireworks show from Bartolotta Fireworks Company and only a full cancelation would result in the loss of the deposit.

The village officials are hopeful a new date can be worked out in the next few weeks and said they are open to holding a special meeting to approve a date so that the planning process can begin as soon as possible.