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05/19/2020 12:00 AMLast week, the East Haven Fireworks Committee Board announced the cancellation of the 2020 fireworks, which would have been the 20th annual show.
Annarose Russo, co-chair of the committee, said that the decision had to be made as coronavirus continues to spread across the state and the nation. As of May 16, more than 37,400 people were infected with coronavirus and more than 3,400 people had died across Connecticut, according to state data released May 17.
“Our number one priority was and still is the safety of our residents, guests and their families...and everyone involved with the running of this event...our police, fire and committee people as well,” Russo said.
The committee worked with Mayor Joseph Carfora and followed guidance from state, local authorities, and the local health department to make the call. Louis Payne, recreation director, recommended that East Haven’s Beach Day be canceled as well.
“I have talked with Annarose and this wonderful group over the last few weeks. I can tell you how difficult a decision this was for them,” Mayor Joseph Carfora said in a release provided by the Town of East Haven.
Russo said that donations were down and, since local businesses have been facing hardship, she and the committee would not have felt comfortable asking for additional contributions.
“Our businesses are and have been very generous over the years, and hope they will continue to donate once they are open and back on their feet,” she said. “We have been blessed for 20 years by their support and now it’s time for us to support them.”
The fireworks display is one of the town’s signature events and Russo said that while it “saddens” her that it has been canceled and that the world has been placed on hold, it must be done to protect the community.
The fireworks display had been scheduled for Saturday, June 27 vwith a rain date of Monday, June 29.
In terms of rescheduling or replacing the event, Russo doesn’t see anything happening in the immediate future.
“As far as replacing this event with something else, I don’t believe there will be any until everything is cleared to do so and safely as well,” she said.
But Russo is optimistic looking ahead. She and the committee are looking forward to returning “bigger and better” in 2021.