Montgomery County Recreation to Update Residents on Possible Fireworks Rescheduling due to Severe Weather

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 1, 2016

The National Weather Service is forecasting the possibility of severe weather in the evening on Monday, July 4. Because the two Independence Day fireworks celebrations (“Germantown Glory” at the South Germantown Recreational Park at 7 p.m. and “Mid-County Sparkle” at Einstein High School in Kensington at 7:30 p.m.) are rain-or-shine events, the supporting activities will be cancelled if severe weather conditions are met, to include, but not limited to, driving rain, strong winds and/or lightning. 

If there is a cancellation of the supporting activities, only the fireworks will be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 5, at 9:15 p.m. All entertainment and food vendors will be cancelled. Shuttle service will not be provided on July 5, and parking will be extremely limited at both locations.

“The safety of our residents and visitors is always our first priority; and we wanted to get this information out so everyone can plan accordingly,” said Montgomery County Recreation Department Director Gabe Albornoz. “We will provide an update at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 4, as to whether the events will be delayed or cancelled. We hope that we won't have to postpone or cancel, but want to ensure everyone can enjoy the best and safest time possible.”

The County’s Recreation Department has set up a number of ways for people to receive information regarding the status of its celebrations. Anyone considering attending the events is urged to sign up for text alerts in order to receive the most up-to-date information on their phone. Text MOCOJULY4 to 888777. In addition, updates will be available on Recreation Department’s facebook  and twitter pages; and at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec. Attendees can also call the Montgomery County Recreation inclement weather line at 240–777–6889.

Montgomery County Recreation recommends that everyone adheres to the following safety guidelines to help stay safe: Please bring plenty of water for hydration; dress in weather-appropriate attire; and use sunscreen, and insect-repellent. Have a plan and a safety check point in case you get separated from your group. Pedestrians are reminded to use sidewalks and only cross roads at designated crosswalks. And, as always, stay vigilant. If you see something, say something. The Montgomery County Police non-emergency phone number is 301–279 – 8000.

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Release ID: 16-439
Media Contact: Carmen Berrios Martinez 240–777–6875