Fireworks show officially canceled this year

SALT LAKE CITY — Sugar House is canceling its annual Fourth of July fireworks show this year at the park.

“As we get the word out, there will be a  lot of people who will be sad, they are going to say ‘let’s figure out a way to do this,’ but at this point it’s too late to do it this year,” said Chad Anderson with the Sugar House Park Authority.

The city used to sponsor the event, but the annual display has been privately funded and privately organized since 2010. Thousands of people come from all over the Wasatch Front for the tradition.

“It takes a lot of work and a lot of effort to organize it, to raise the funds and to get the permits and to clean up the mess afterward, and that has become a burden for the private organizer,” said Anderson.

No one has come forward in time this year. Several times in the past, the event has been on the verge of cancellation, but Anderson says this time it really will not be happening.

“There’s just not enough time,” he said.

But he said the Park Authority would love to talk to anyone about organizing the event next year.

As the event grows in popularity, more requirements and permits are necessary for it to be safe and successful.

On the other hand, there’s a growing concern that without a central fireworks show in Salt Lake City, more people will try to set off their own fireworks in neighborhood displays, which can be unsafe and a fire hazard.

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