Barnstable To Celebrate 4th Of July In September This Year

BARNSTABLE, MA — The Town of Barnstable will postpone its Fourth of July fireworks to Labor Day weekend after Mass Wildlife notified them of close proximity to two endangered species, the town announced Friday in a press release.

Lewis Bay, where Barnstable sets up its fireworks display, has become a popular nesting spot for piping plovers and least terns within the last 15 years, according to data from the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Both species of shorebird are endangered.

Mass Wildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) requested around noon on July 4, 2021, that Barnstable move its fireworks display — but the town decided moving the explosives would be unsafe.

The NHESP considers last year's fireworks display a violation of the Endangered Species Act, according to Barnstable's press release.

To avoid further violations, Barnstable officials have been working closely this year with the NHESP to find a better location for the fireworks. After considering other areas, the town decided the safest move would be to change the date instead.

Barnstable's Fourth of July fireworks display will happen on Labor Day this year, when the birds' nesting activities are no longer a concern.

Other Independence Day events, such as the parade and house decorating contest, will proceed as planned on July 4.