http://www.kiiitv.com/story/14993524/firework-bans
For many Southeast Texans, this 4th of July will not go off with its usual bang.
The exceptional drought has forced Silsbee to cancel its annual firework display for the first time in 30 years.
But the show will go on in other southeast Texas cities.
With every southeast Texas county under some form of a fireworks ban, the choices are limited, but that's not stopping people from figuring out the best way to keep tradition and take in a show.
Beaumont mom Nicole Pirnie says her idea of a 4th of July party has to include at least one thing.
Pirnie says this year, her family has to change their plans of traditionally creating their own show.
She isn't the only one breaking tradition.
For the first time in 30 years, Silsbee's annual fireworks show won't light up the night sky.
Asst. Chief Jay Hinkie, with the Silsbee Volunteer Fire Dept. says, "Our fear is if we have other wildfires going on - we'll be shorthanded and wouldn't have the manpower to put on the show."
Hinkie says between 6,000 and 8,000 people normally attend the festivities in Silsbee
So this year those people will have to look to Jasper, Beaumont or Port Arthur for fireworks.
Danielle Underferth, with the City of Beaumont, says safety will be a number one priority at the annual block party downtown.
"With it being a commercial show - the display is extremely high and so it's actually safer than - you know - your home fireworks which are nearer to the ground and pose a bit more of a threat," says Underferth.
Beaumont will have extra firefighters on standby to make sure the half hour show only lights up the night sky.
Scheduled July 4th Events:
Jasper Co. - 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2 at the Sandy Creek Park Gazebo
Port Arthur - 9:00 p.m. Monday, July 4th at the Carl Parker Center (Lamar State College, Port Arthur)
Beaumont - 9:00 p.m. Monday, July 4th on Main Street, between Forsythe and College (Downtown)
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