Kawerau fireworks going ahead

FILE

The fireworks display at Kawerau's Christmas in the Park will go ahead, after recent rain reduced the fire risk in the town.

During the past 10 days Kawerau District Council, New Zealand Fire Service, CMM Management and Van Tiel Pyrotechnics have been working closely together regarding the inclusion of the annual firework display at Saturday's event.

A recent fire incident at the Monika Lanham Reserve and the prolonged period of windy/ dry weather had increased the need to monitor the situation extremely closely. These factors had seriously put the firework display in doubt.

The council has today announced the fireworks display will take place to culminate this year's evening show.

With the rain fall experienced over the past 48 hours, the fire risk has considerably reduced. Weather permitting, the fireworks will commence at 10pm as planned.

However there will be a variation in the firework display in 2014; this is due to a different discharge site being utilised. With the substantial fire damage which occurred recently to scrub on Monika Lanham Reserve, measures have been put in place to increase a lower level display from Keith Mackenzie Park (situated behind Prideaux Park).

The firework display will still be spectacular, but in order to fully appreciate this year's display, attendees should position themselves in and around the event venue, Prideaux Park, to best experience the display. Members of the public intending to enjoy the display from across the wider district may not be able to fully appreciate the display from afar.

All artists, entertainment and food vendors will be present as planned and the forecast is for a pleasant day in Kawerau - which the organisers hope will make for another fantastic family friendly celebration.

The organisers would also like to remind the visiting public that Prideaux Park is a smokefree reserve and no illegal drugs, alcohol, weapons, bikes, dogs or gang regalia will be permitted into the event venue. Bag and chilly bin searches may apply at the venue entrances.