Bay Fireworks Late Last Year Too, Committee President Says

Bay Fireworks, which has provided Takoma Park with its July 4 fireworks display for the last two years, was late in starting the display last year as well, according to committee officials.

Last year the event was delayed 15 minutes and did not need to be , said Takoma Park Independence Day Committee President Gene Herman.

There has been a lack of communication from Bay Fireworks, Herman added.

"They've given no reason as to why they were late this year," he said. "From 3 p.m. when they started setting up until it was time to start, there was no communication."

The committee is going to meet Wednesday night to figure out the best way to deal with the fireworks event company.

The committee had to pay Bay Fireworks the full $13,500 two weeks in advance for the show, he said, so there is no guarantee that they'll get any restitution because of the delay.

"It'd be nice to get a free display or a reduced rate," Herman said. "But I'm not holding my breath."

Bay Fireworks has not responded to a request for comment.

Check back for more info Thursday after the committee's meeting Wednesday night.