North Richmond News

Early morning [or late night] fireworks

July 7, 2007 · Posted in · by John

Many residents in North Richmond woke to a thunderous ripple of explosions just after 12:30 a.m. Friday morning as a rain-delayed, extra-inning Richmond Braves game concluded with a major fireworks display. Today’s Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the Braves management are apologetic about the very early morning wake-up call, but felt they had no choice but to go ahead with the fireworks display:

The fireworks display didn’t begin until after the end of a rain-delayed, 10-inning 8-7 loss to Syracuse that concluded just shy of 12:30 a.m.

More than 5,000 people were still waiting for the fireworks show.

“We felt it was our obligation to give them what they paid to see,” said Bill Blackwell, the Braves’ assistant general manager. “It was kind of a no-win situation.”

The late show wasn’t a problem at The Hermitage, a retirement community of more than 150 people at Westwood and Hermitage avenues. “Most of them were joking about it,” said Executive Director Lynn Watkins. “They took it in stride.”

2 Responses to “Early morning [or late night] fireworks”

  1. wow, those were funny comments on the T-D site. I actually called myself, and did get a call back from Bill Blackwell the next day. He wasn’t apologetic at all, but rather explained that it had been planned for a year, didn’t want to disappoint, etc. I could be wrong, but I have heard of an occassional fireworks display getting rescheduled — we have the technology!

    I am all for patriotism, but is July 6th at 12:45am really the right time for it? It was house shaking loud, my dog and son were upset, and most importantly, we had to get up and it takes a looong time for us to get back to bed. To me I was just as upset about a lack of common sense, and the fact that it was at least partially funded by the city of richmond (incl. me as a taxpayer).

  2. I Really enjoyed the Saturday morning brunch at Tracy’s on July 7th. Hope that Jay’s brother is coming along fine after his injury.

    The fireworks thing: I also thought that the midnight wake up was interesting. I’d gone the night before and thought waiting until 10 PM was bad, but 12:30. GIMMME a break But, then again, business is business and it deals with the public, therefore there are times when routines cannot be followed, and an alternative must be executed. Such was the case that 12:30 “AM” morning blast. That’s just life. In fact, I am glad that it was only fireworks of enjoyment, rather than the underground blasts that kids thought was fun sometime last year.

    The gathering at Tracy & Jay’s house at on noble ave was great. It was a very friendly and neighbor sharing event. If I can be of any help, such as providing child care or clergy counseling please call 329-7099. Also, most of you may not know that I have a 50′ x 40′ pool in my back yard that can be used “free” by appointment only. Children have to be accompanied by an adult, and I also have lifeguards available for a small fee. Weddings, birthday parties, family reunions and neighbor gathers are ways we share it.

    BIG NEWS:
    Also, I am very, very proud to announce that I FINALLY have copies of my first book: “MY DEATH CHANGED MY LIFE!” Literally! Read and be mystified by the gory details surrounding that fateful midnight secret event. It a small book, making it a fast and dynamic reading. It’s “loaded” and well worth reading and sharing. Market price $14.99, but for our neighborhood, its $10. I just want you guys to share this with me.

    Luv Ya

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