Oconomowoc hosts Fourth of July fireworks despite dry weather

OCONOMOWOC -- The Fourth of July fireworks went off as anticipated Saturday night, June 30th in Oconomowoc. Other communities weren't so lucky. Baraboo, Hartford and Wisconsin Dells all cancelled fireworks shows because dry weather created a grass-fire hazard.

Tony Heinecke, co-owner of Five-Star Fireworks said location was a big reason why the Oconomowoc show was never in doubt.

"The fact that there's very little wind -- the fallout is going to basically go up and come straight down with the wind, so we don't have to worry about anything making its way to shore," Heinecke said.

Heinecke said the company has about a dozen shows planned for southeast Wisconsin over the next couple weeks. He said he plans to spend a good amount of time on the phone with area municipalities, determining whether the shows can go on.

"We are in close contact with the local fire departments and they'll call us out to analyze the site and if it's too dry, we think safety first," Heinecke said.

The fallout from the dry spell was evident along the Oconomowoc parade route Saturday. Dead grass and withering flowers were a common sight.

"Certainly the yards aren't as pretty as you'd like them to be this time of year. The flowers are taking a beating and you're just not seeing as many activities right now," Oconomowoc homeowner Chris Audley said.

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