Rain delays fireworks display
Published 12:00 am Friday, July 5, 2002
Messenger Intern
The rain could not have come at a worse time.
An afternoon thunderstorm interfered with the annual Independence Day celebration at the SportsPlex, but there will still be a fireworks show and watermelon at 8:30 tonight.
"There will be no activities. If people still want to come out early and cook out, that’s ok. There just won’t be any of the fun and games like we normally have, but we will have the fireworks," said Dan Smith, coordinator of the event.
The staff had been working diligently on setting up the traditional "wet area" and tents since yesterday morning, and the unexpected downpour caused the undoing of their work.
The staff braved the light rain and lightening while trying to take apart the tents until someone witnessed sparks on one of the fences.
The 100 watermelons that were waiting on patriotic mouths Thursday will still be waiting on those same mouths tonight.
Through a team effort, the crew hauled all 100 watermelons from the field to the press box.
The Dixie Bells will be holding a championship game at 6 p.m. tonight.
"That is partially the reason for us not having the activities. We certainly don’t want to be too much of distraction to those girls who are playing a very important game," Smith said.