North Shore's Largest Fireworks Show Won't Happen in 2015

By Les Masterson

The Danvers Family Festival Board of Directors has decided that the fireworks display at Plains Park will not happen next year.

The board said it was a “very difficult decision,” but needed to end the annual fireworks.

“Based on factors out of the board’s control, it has become impossible to maintain the caliber, character and safety of the event. With an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people attending each year, safety has always been the boards’ primary concern. The directors feel that with the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, which set the required minimum safety zones between the mortars and spectators, and the increased development in the area, the distance is no longer safe for a show of our magnitude.

“Although the reduced safety zone would still allow for a smaller display, the increased state security measures, mandated after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, and the continually increasing security costs, make the event no longer feasible. Although this was a very difficult decision to make, the board emphasized that the festivals’ other events, including some new ones, will continue.”

The fireworks display has been one of the largest on the North Shore. This year, the 35th annual Danvers Family Festival had 34 events over 16 days.

“Everyone in town has always been so supportive of the Festival, and it is a great expression of the spirit of the community. The directors all feel terrible about this, as most of them have been on the board for 5, 10, even 15 years, and the fireworks are an integral part of their lives.” said board spokesman John Call. “Danvers is such a great town: each year, we have some 23 civic organizations, small businesses, and volunteers working together to provide fun, entertaining, and mostly free, events for people of all ages. Although we will all miss the fireworks, it should not diminish the overall excitement and anticipation for next year’s festival, as we look forward to our 36th year and the public’s continued support.”