07/05/2025
Due to a technical malfunction, this year's Independence Day fireworks display over the Astoria waterfront was delayed, going off an hour later than planned and advertised.
"We appreciate the public's patience while our vendor's team and our shore-side crew worked to bring the display back online", said David Reid, Executive Director of the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, "especially those families with small children for whom even an on-time show makes for a late night."
The annual fireworks show and logistics are paid for by community sponsors and coordinated by the chamber of commerce.
Brent Pavlicek of Western Display Fireworks added, “Western Display Fireworks had an unfortunate situation with the delayed start of the Fourth of July show. The logistics of a barge display can make it difficult to communicate any challenges or delays when troubleshooting and following specific safety protocol guidelines. The safety of the crew and community is always the top priority for our company. At this point in time, we have begun our due diligence to get to the bottom of what transpired. We greatly value our relationship with the community and regret the unanticipated late start.”
"This has always been a complex show to stage", explained Reid, "from the logistics of using a tug and barge to the fact that we choose to automate the launch process for both crew safety and to synchronize with music on FM 103.9 Eagle Country. Western Display Fireworks has long been an excellent and professional vendor and this year’s delay was unusual. We'll work with them to learn from last night's issue and ensure future events are protected from similar occurrences."
The show did resume, complete with broadcast soundtrack at 11 p.m. Friday night, but not before many families had called it a night and gone home.
"Given the pressure the pyrotechnics crew was under to restart the show, we are grateful they were able to do so safely and that our partners at Ohana Media Group managed to re-sync the music on the fly", said Reid. "WCT Marine have been incredibly generous in supplying the tug, crew and barge needed for the operation and keeping them on site until the problem was resolved. We also need to thank the community, first responders and our many business and personal sponsors for making this celebration of America happen each year. Despite our commitment to safety, quality entertainment, and precise timing, this year’s unexpected delays impacted the event. We understand this caused frustration and disappointment and appreciate your understanding.”
