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News Release Date: July 27, 2012 Long-term weather conditions in the area required park superintendent Pete Swisher to make the cancellation decision. The fireworks launch location is directly adjacent to the national park's tallgrass prairie, grassland highly susceptible to fires during dry periods. "It would be irresponsible and pose a significant fire safety risk to allow the fireworks show to proceed as planned given these drought conditions," Swisher stated. Swisher considered several factors before making the determination, including the current weather conditions, recommendations from National Park Service wildland fire specialists, and burn bans within both Cedar and Johnson counties. Swisher also said he has been consulting with West Branch city officials and the West Branch Fire Department about the potential need to cancel the display. "I hope people will consider coming to the Presidential Library and Museum's east lawn area to enjoy the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band and laser light show as this year's celebration closes," Swisher said. The laser light show represents a new attraction this year not previously a part of the Hoover's Hometown Days celebration, and will be synchronized with music performed by the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band. |
Last updated: April 10, 2015