The approaching Independence Day holiday has some families preparing to head to Groton for their annual celebration. But this year, budget cuts mean part of the party will be missing.
Groton Parks and Recreation will save about $8,000 by not having the pre-fireworks show on July 9th at Fort Griswold this year. The pre-show would have included a band, picnic area and fun activities for families.
Parks and Recreation manager Jerry Lokken said they did try to save the event, asking the state to waive the $3,000 fee to rent the space for pre-fireworks show. That request was denied.
“There are expenses to the state and they have every reason to expect payment for use of their property,” said Lokken.
NBC Connecticut reached out to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to ask who will pay for costs like portable restrooms and cleanup at Fort Griswold the night of the fireworks. They tell us they are still determining that. But DEEP spokesperson Dennis Schain adds they need Groton to help with those cost and “be the good partner they have been in past years”.
Lokken explained although the pre-show is canceled, there is still a lot to look forward to with other aspects of the celebration. “The rest of the fireworks are going to go off as planned. SailFest is happening in New London, and a lot of people in Groton are going to be able to watch the fireworks from the areas they have always watched them,” said Lokken.
However, people hoping to make a day of it, will just have to settle for the town can afford.
Local
“It's pretty disappointing for a family activity. I mean there is not a lot going on now days for families to do and it would be nice if they still continued with it,” Sheri Marchand of Groton.
When asked how things are looking for next year, officials said it was too early to tell.
