Safety concerns nix July 3-4 fireworks at US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte
Safety concerns cited by police and the Mecklenburg County fire marshal have canceled the annual July 3-4 fireworks shows at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte.
Center officials announced the cancellations on Facebook and the center website late Friday without explaining why and said all other July 3-4 activities are on, including races, live music and yoga.
Chief Fire Marshal Ted Panagiotopoulos revoked the permit for the displays due to crowd and traffic concerns, Charlotte Observer news partner WSOC reported.
The revocation followed concerns raised by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings about the large crowds drawn to the event, according to the station.
Panagiotopoulos mentioned Jennings’ concerns in a letter Friday to center CEO Jeff Wise, WBTV reported.
Jennings also was concerned about security staffing during the fireworks displays and a possible need to call in help from outside law enforcement agencies, WCNC reported.
Jesse Hyde, spokesperson for the U.S. National Whitewater Center, declined comment Saturday on Jennings’ and Panagiotopoulos’ concerns about the fireworks.
Spokespersons for the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department didn’t reply to requests for comment from The Charlotte Observer Saturday.
This story was originally published July 1, 2023 at 10:14 AM.