Blame Sandy: Wave swamps town's fireworks display
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. — A wave swamped Seaside Heights' July Fourth fireworks display and dampened the spirits of thousands of visitors that came to the borough hoping to see the spectacle.
Many took to social media to vent their disappointment.
"Seaside blew it. No excuse. A town trying to rebound completely dropped the ball," wrote one Facebook commenter. "Myself and 20+ friends and family gathered. All born and bred locals. Won't happen again."
Township Administrator Christopher J. Vaz posted the details of the wave that ruined the display to Facebook.
"The fireworks were set up closer to the surf than usual in an effort to satisfy state regs (regulations) which require that spectators be maintained a specific distance, 120 feet, from the fireworks," Vaz wrote Saturday night. "Unfortunately, the tide was higher and rougher than usual (Saturday) and the fireworks were swamped by a wave that made it up to the 110-foot mark. Wet fireworks = no fireworks."
Spectators were furious by the sudden cancellation.
"Poor planning for sure," one Facebook commenter replied to Vaz. "This isn't just a Wednesday Night Fireworks show that was canceled because of the wind. It is July 4th!!! Unacceptable!!!"
Others defended Seaside Heights officials.
"The 4th isn't about fireworks," a commenter wrote on the post. "We didn't get to see the fireworks display we expected either because of unpredictable events. We still shook it off and said there's always tomorrow."
Beach erosion since superstorm Sandy has made each fireworks display "a challenge," Vaz wrote.
"Seaside Heights deeply regrets the inconvenience and disappointment," he wrote.
The fireworks display has been rescheduled for 9:30 p.m. Sunday.