New Year’s fireworks are coming to Edgartown. On Monday the town’s board of selectmen approved the Harbor View Hotel’s proposal to put on a fireworks show in the Edgartown Harbor to usher in the new year.
Representatives from the hotel said they are staging the show for the benefit of the community, and the hotel is working with the Edgartown police and fire departments to sort out logistics for the display.
The Harbor View will pay for the fireworks show, as well as a $1,500 application fee. Edgartown Town Administrator Pam Dolby said that the $1,500 fee could go toward the extra fire patrols needed during the show.
Fire chief Peter Shemeth said he had some concerns about staffing for the display, noting that a midnight fire display requires patrols to stay on the job until well after 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day. He said he would work with the Coast Guard to determine staffing requirements.
“I think it probably is a good thing for the town,” said selectman Michael Donaroma.
Hotel manager Jim Cleary said the Harbor View hopes to make the fireworks show an annual event, noting that the hotel does not directly benefit from the display.
“Let’s hope it’s a starry night and it’s not zero degrees,” said selectman Arthur Smadbeck.
The Island has been left without a formal New Years Even fireworks display since the Tisbury Volunteer Ambulance Association ended its long-running Last Night/First Day festivities in 2009 due to staffing and cost concerns. The annual event featured a variety of comedy and musical performances, family activities and a fireworks show.
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