We are excited to introduce a new Independence Day celebration to the event lineup!
As Duluth continues to grow and change, so do our event offerings. With that in mind, Duluth Celebrates America has come to a bittersweet end. In its place we will be hosting a Kickoff to the 4th on Friday, July 1. This event will include a performance by A-Town A-List, a patriotic stage show (similar to that of Howl on the Green), inflatables and more! Themed photo ops, patriotic decor and our beloved veteran flags will remain on display through the holiday.
Now, we know you’re going to ask “what about the fireworks?” Your safety is always our number one priority and unfortunately, there is no location within Duluth City Limits that would enable us to put on a show that is both safe and up to the standards our community has learned to expect.
Alternative non-viable locations included:
Scott Hudgens Park/River Green – Many remember the years that Duluth Celebrates America was hosted at River Green/Scott Hudgens Park. A large portion of the property that was used for the event was privately owned and has since been sold and developed into a 158,000+ square foot facility. The remaining field space does not allow adequate space for a firework fall out zone, event entertainment and event parking.
Duluth High School – A few weeks back, City Staff hosted a test launch at the High School. A group of 30+ including city staff, Council Members, members of the Downtown Development Authority and Duluth residents were stationed around Downtown Duluth during the test launch. It was determined that visibility would be minimal and restricted to only a very small portion of the entire event space. It should also be noted that due to residential property near the high school, the show would have been restricted to lower-level fireworks only and the maximum show length would have been shorted from 20 minutes down to 14 minutes with a significant budget increase.
Southeastern Railway Museum – While it is in close proximity to the Downtown event location, a launch at the museum would require extensive road and railway closures and could have included the relocation/removal of locomotives on display.
Keep a close eye on our social pages for more details on the exciting Kickoff to the 4th event and we look forward to seeing you there!
For more information on upcoming City of Duluth events, please visit duluthga.net/events.
How about Gwinnett Place?
Hi Michael! Gwinnett Place Mall is outside of Duluth City Limits.
How about Shorty Howell?
Hi Kelly! Shorty Howell is outside of Duluth City Limits and is a Gwinnett Couty Park so it was not considered as an option for a City of Duluth event.
So very sad the fireworks are canceled permanently! Why were the reasons for canceling not explained in this post? Believe it or not, I thought about watching fireworks from the rooftop of my townhome when deciding to purchase it one year ago. 4th of July celebration fireworks is a big deal to many residents. So this is a big disappointment we couldn’t overcome the challenges whatever they were. ???
They literally said because there’s not a viable place to do them safely within the city limits. They need a place that can handle the fallout/debris and that they have permission to use. There’s more construction going on as well. When it comes to fireworks, there’s a lot to consider for safety. Norcross tested fireworks earlier this year and caused damage to one of the historic buildings.
This is a real shame. Duluth has always put on a good 4th of July celebration and firework show. An honest explanation as to why it has been cancelled is more than deserved here.
My husband and I raised our children in Duluth: fireworks on the Fourth, high school sports events and the Duluth Fall Festival and parade are just a few of the events that have given us cherished memories. We don’t live in Duluth now, but we still look forward to “going home” for these events. In today’s world of disagreements and discord it is truly sad to lose the events that have helped families make memories and brought people together for so many years!
A big disappointment to have to go to Norcross to see fireworks this year. Was looking forward to this.
Had no idea this past fireworks show was going to be the last. I filmed it with a drone and posted the video to YouTube for anyone insterested: https://youtu.be/sBHY6Bi9t1g
Norcross is way smaller than Duluth, and so is Lawrenceville, so the ‘explanation’ doesn’t cut it. Poor Job. Unacceptable. Really sorry job. No excuse is a good excuse for this
What would be a suitable reason, in your book, to cancel the fireworks?
Is the fact that there is no longer enough space for the firework debris/fallout not good enough reason to cancel? Would you like to sit under the firework trash as it falls from the sky. Most would not. The city of Duluth & surrounding areas are changing and building up. It is what it is, visit a neighboring city and enjoy your 4th safely without hair trash 🙂
Thank you for considering the safety and overall experience for your community. With so many fun events, a top-tier festival, food events, and great concerts that you guys coordinate each year, I think we’ll be okay without one firework show. All the amazing stuff you guys have done makes up for this small change. Bummed, but proud of the team who works to keep Duluth on the map!
Thank you for being transparent and clearly explaining why the fireworks are canceled. It is unfortunate, but completely understandable. Thankfully, we have so many nearby options to attend instead.
I think there are some individuals commenting here that do not know how to read thoroughly. 🙃 ‘Merica.
Although I understand the safety concerns explained, my family is still hugely disappointed that The 4th of July celebrations are slowly disappearing. American Independence is also dwindling if, we as citizens of the USA, don’t come together. 🇺🇸❤️
Geez, it’s just fireworks. Step outside your house and you can see them going off everywhere! Duluth provided entertainment and festivities that you can actually interact with people and enjoy together instead of just staring at the sky.
LOL!!!