Napa To No Longer Hold Fourth Of July Firework Show

NAPA, CA — The City of Napa announced plans to celebrate the Fourth of July this year with a day filled with family-friendly activities but with no fireworks.

The celebration starts at 10 a.m. with the annual Rotary Club July 4th Parade in Downtown Napa. Festivities continue from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. as the City of Napa hosts a free July 4 Celebration at the Oxbow Commons. The event will include a variety of activities for all ages and feature a free community concert in collaboration with the Oxbow Riverstage, the city announced in a May 19 news release.

"The July 4th fireworks display has been a longstanding community tradition," city officials said. "While we all have fond memories of the fireworks that light up the night sky, we are keenly aware that several significant circumstances have shifted in recent years including heightened climate and environmental concerns. As times and circumstances change, we must be willing to adapt and change with them. The City of Napa has made the challenging decision to discontinue the July 4th fireworks display."

According to the city, fire season arrives earlier each year and there is growing concern from citizens and the greater community about the possibility of fireworks setting off a structure fire or wildfire.

"Firework smoke includes inhalable particles, called PM2.5, that can trigger asthma and other respiratory diseases. In addition, to create bright colors, most fireworks contain toxic metals such as strontium, barium, lead, lithium, copper and sometimes mercury," the city said. "The metals are not burned up when the firework explodes but are dispersed in the inhalable PM2.5 particles. Finally, noise caused by fireworks can cause anxiety and stress in humans, pets, and wildlife. The City of Napa is committed to creating a healthy community, and this change aligns with the City’s commitment to climate action."