Minneapolis hosts first July 4th fireworks display since 2019
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Despite rain and storms earlier in the day that prompted many other cities to cancel or reschedule their fireworks, Minneapolis' Fourth of July display went on Thursday night.
The event marked the first time in five years that Minneapolis had held a fireworks show. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there weren't any Fourth of July events, and last year the park board tried a laser show instead of fireworks.
Earlier in the day, there were concerns the city would have to cancel the show – which also included music ahead of the fireworks at Boom Island Park – due to the rainy weather. Thankfully, by show time, the rain had cleared out. Park officials had waited to make a final decision on the show. They said light rain wouldn't deter fireworks, but severe weather would have forced them to reschedule.
Outside of Minneapolis, it appears only Edina and Coon Rapids in the metro went ahead with firework shows on Thursday. Most other metro cities either moved up shows to Wednesday, delayed them until Friday or beyond, or cancelled them outright.
For a fuller list of Fourth of July fireworks shows, you can click here.
Minneapolis Fourth of July Safety plans
On Wednesday, ahead of the planned firework show, Minneapolis and Hennepin County law enforcement leaders announced plans to ramp up safety for the Fourth of July.
In recent years, the city has seen problems around the Fourth. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara noted the number of shootings in the last two years and the issues with people shooting fireworks at others and the police.
"If anyone threatens the safety or property of others, we will act. We will make arrests and work with our Hennepin County partners to book those responsible in jail," said Chief O'Hara.
Additionally, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office plans to increase patrols on land and water.
"We've already had more drownings this year than all of last year," said Sheriff Dawanna Witt.
Thursday, in addition to law enforcement, park ambassadors and community-based groups will be at Boom Island to help police maintain peace.