Eastound fireworks get the green light – maybe

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Despite determined negotiations between community leaders and Eagle Fireworks, the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce says they are still uncertain whether the show will happen.

The show was in serious question last week when chamber of commerce director Lance Evans announced that the company that traditionally conducts the Eastsound show had removed its firing equipment and was difficult to reach by phone.

“Because of past associations with the fireworks company, Michael Rivkin became involved to lend a hand,” Evans said.

Rivkin was Orcas Chamber of Commerce president from 1995 to 2005.

When it came down to the last week before the event and things weren’t looking good, Rivkin said, “It was make it happen now or it wasn’t going to happen … I know Steve at Eagle Fireworks and he took my call. We brainstormed for a while … and he was able to put together a plan A.”

So while the fireworks are now available, the newest obstacle is with the barge.

As of today, Evans said the only available barge or landing craft in the region is still being nailed down.

“I don’t want to guarantee to the community that we will have fireworks in Eastsound,” he said. “The chamber sincerely appreciates Michael’s efforts, but the logistics of the barge are still being worked out.”

If the show does become a reality, it will be on Sunday, July 4, 10 p.m. at Waterfront Park.

The Sounder will post updates on the show as information becomes available.

Harbormaster Marc Broman said that if Eastsound fireworks don’t happen, organizers are expecting a larger crowd for the Deer Harbor show at 9:45 p.m. on July 3.

Broman said they are making contingency plans for parking, due to limited space near the marina. There will be signs directing vehicles to parking areas at the Deer Harbor community center, the Deer Harbor fire department and Bob Connor’s property. The Orcas Shuttle will be available to help as well, making one trip from Rosario at 8 p.m. and coming through Eastsound at 8:15 p.m.; another Orcas Shuttle vehicle will leave Eastsound at 8 p.m. Broman said the marina’s floating dock will be closed to the community; only people with boats in the marina will be given admission bracelets giving them permission to be on the dock.