DILLON, Colorado — A Fourth of July fireworks show won't be coming to Dillon this year after the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Committee unanimously voted against a permit for the event, according to the director of marketing and communication for the town.
The four-member committee is made up of representatives from Summit County and Denver Water, which is responsible for managing the Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area. The committee must approve permits for special events.
A spokesperson for Denver Water said it opposed the idea due to concerns about the health and safety of the community, according to spokesperson Travis Thompson.
Thompson went on to say that both law enforcement and emergency services personnel were concerned about their ability to navigate what would be an extremely congested area around the reservoir, including US 6 and CO 9.
There were also concerns about parking and the ability of first responders to access emergency situations, according to Kerstin Anderson, director of marketing and communication for the town.
In January, the town of Breckenridge decided it would no longer have fireworks as part of their celebrations because of consistent wildfire danger.
Two months later, Frisco canceled its display because they were worried about the "potentially significant" increase in visitors. The Frisco fireworks would have been the only Fourth of July display in Summit County.
After both those shows were canceled, the idea of hosting a fireworks show in the town of Dillon was informally brought up at a council work in April, according to Anderson. At the time, she said they were still discussing whether or not the area would be able to handle the crowds.
While there will be no fireworks in Summit County this year, Anderson said there would still be plenty to do.
The National Repertory Orchestra is playing in both Silverthorne and Breckenridge. Frisco’s Fabulous 4th of July takes place on Main Street and at the Frisco Marina Bay. Breckenridge also hosts a parade and the United States Air Force Academy Band will perform at the Dillon Amphitheater.
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