Expected storm could dampen fireworks show

Even people who don’t enter the Wet Zone — where water slides, activities and rides await — at this year’s Great American Barbecue may end up getting wet, thanks to a 60 percent chance of precipitation and scattered thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service shows cooler weather with a predicted high of 93 degrees, but that low temperature comes with a price.

The forecast also anticipates scattered thunderstorms throughout the day that could “contain potentially damaging winds” up to eight miles and isolated thunderstorms at night.

Bad weather can affect more than just the turnout at Pacana Park, it can also affect the fireworks show, scheduled for 9:15 p.m.

Mark Boys, Maricopa Fire Department Division Chief, who is also chief of fire prevention, works closely with the head pyrotechnician of the event to determine whether the show can safely go on, with the primary concern being the safety of attendees.

“The event will be closely monitored by fire prevention and postponed or canceled at any time should a hazardous condition arise,” Boys said in an email.

“There are several criteria that would cause a postponement of the event to include rain, lighting activity, gusting and or sustained winds,” Boys said/ “In addition the fall-out area and type (size of shells) of pyrotechnics to be displayed also are considered.”

That’s not to say that a slight breeze will cancel the show.

“You can have some wind, some wind is OK,” said Kendon Victor, the lead pyrotechnician for the Maricopa event, which will be put on by Fireworks Productions of Arizona.

“Storms blow in and out in Arizona,” Victor said. “We’re going to be out there, we’ll set up, we’ll cover everything.”

He added that if need be, the show can be moved up or pushed.

Boys remained optimistic and added that the fire department expects “to have a safe and spectacular event for the citizens of Maricopa.”

***ADVERTISEMENT***What: 7th annual Great American Barbecue
When: 5:30-10 p.m., July 4
Where: Pacana Park, 19000 N. Porter Road
Activities: Guinness World Records book attempt at world’s largest squirt-gun fight; water slides; live music; food; fireworks.
Transportation: Free shuttle service
Info: Maricopa4Fun.com

For a more complete story on the city's Independence Day event, click here.