Rochester Fireworks Vendor Commits Make-up Show to Commemorate 250th Anniversary at No Cost to City

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The vendor who supplies and puts on Rochester’s annual Independence Day fireworks show has committed to a replacement show. 

Read More: Will Rochester Reschedule 4th of July Fireworks? City Gives an Update

A statement issued on Monday by J&M Displays Inc. says the combination of “severe weather conditions and crew heat exhaustion” was to blame for the shortened display during Rochester's 4th Fest on the 250th Independence Day at Soldier's Field. 

The show’s start time was moved up 30 minutes due to forecasted inclement weather. It got underway about 15 minutes before its original scheduled start time. 

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“Unfortunately, the combination of the extreme heat experienced throughout the day and the earlier than planned start time prevented our crew from completing the setup of the full display before launch,” the J&M statement says. 

Rochester's Fireworks Vendor Commits to Makeup Show at No Cost to the City

The company, which operates in southeast Iowa, says they are working with City of Rochester leaders to provide a full makeup show at no cost to the city. 

“We want to honor the spirit of Independence Day and America's 250th as we work together to identify an approach that will deliver the greatest value for the Rochester community,” the statement says. 

"The City is working with J&M Displays to determine a new date and more information will be shared when available. But yes, I would imagine it will be this year," City of Rochester Communications & Engagement Coordinator Raquel Hellman said in an email to KROC News. 

City of Rochester Issues Apology for Shortened Fireworks Show

The City of Rochester issued a statement Sunday apologizing for Saturday’s shortened display. 

City officials got the word out about the early start to what turned out to be a truncated fireworks show on social media, but were unable to verbally announce the scheduled change to those in attendance at the event. 

The city’s statement said in regards to next year’s 4th of July show, “we will make changes to both the fireworks program and the communication plan to improve the overall experience if unexpected circumstances arise again.”