Pinole Cancels Fireworks
— by Jeffrey Wisniewski — 18 June 2009 — 3 comments below »
Driving on San Pablo Avenue through Old Town Pinole this evening, I noticed a construction sign announcing that the annual fireworks have been canceled. While this is a sign of the times for our neighbor to the south (whose finances are in dire straits), it is a golden opportunity for Hercules to be the good neighbor.
The relationship between our two cities can only be described as “complicated, at best.” With Hercules’ slated development, coupled with the change of wastewater treatment facilities (from Pinole to WCWD), a revived partnership could only mean better things for the future. Maybe the start of that long process is a shared Fourth of July celebration (funded by Hercules).
Even if Hercules does not reach out (either informally or formally, with advertisements, or an announcement by the City Council), I wouldn’t be surprised if Bayfront Boulevard and “the hill” is a little more crowded this year.
UPDATE: The City has posted information for this year’s festivities.
While Pinole cancelled their fireworks (Pinole and Hercules shared the cost),
Hercules will have their own off of the Waterfront.
More details to come
I am disappointed. They have not missed a year since beginning this joint event. The physical location of the fireworks is in Pinole and both cities pay for extra police and fire protection for the event. If Pinole pulls out, I don’t see how Hercules can carry on with it. I hope the two cities can work something out!
The City of Hercules is still hosting fireworks for this year. You can read more information about the new location and road closures at the City’s website: http://www.ci.hercules.ca.us or access the 4th of July Celebration Update news story directly at: http://www.ci.hercules.ca.us/index.aspx?page=23&recordid=275&returnURL=%2findex.aspx
There will also be an ad in the Contra Costa Times announcing the day’s events and locations.