PORT TOWNSEND — Fourth of July fireworks returned to Fort Worden State Park with a hospitable bang after an hiatus of two years.
“It went off as well as we could have hoped,” said Dominic Svornich, a member of the Port Townsend Main Street board who was one of the event’s lead organizers.
“No one was hurt, there were no safety issues, no one was drunk and disorderly and everyone had fun,” Svornich said.
Park personnel estimated an attendance of between 2,000 and 3,000 for the entire day, although not all of them were in the park at the same time, Svornich said.
“It was amazing how organized and manageable it was,” said Teresa Verraes, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce executive director.
“I’m sorry for the people who didn’t come out because they were worried about the crowds.
“It was so tame, even though the rangers told us they had never seen so many people out there.”
Svornich said he was certain the event would continue and is immediately planning for next year.
Verraes said it depends on available funding.
“There is no guarantee we will do this again. It’s all about funding,” Verraes said.
“It was a lot of work. It was a marathon, but everyone thought it was worth it.”
Part of the planning for next year includes a discussion about what “ancillary events,” such as a pinata and hot air balloon, will continue, Svornich said.
One event that is sure to survive is the tug of war, which included four teams and a $1,000 prize, he said.
The last public fireworks display in Port Townsend was in 2012.
This year’s event included food, music, games and activities, which included events scheduled for Centrum’s Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, during an “Old School Fourth of July” that began Thursday with Concert on the Docks and continued Friday with a free concert before Saturday’s main event beginning at 4 p.m.
It was the first time the parade grounds were used as a venue since the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority took over management of the park’s campus portion in 2014.
About $25,000 was raised from various sources. The money went to operations, insurance, permits and the cost of the fireworks.
Final accounting has not taken place. Svornich expects to break even, which he says is the best he can expect for an inaugural event.
Svornich said that 12 people were hired in various capacities while another 20 volunteers kept everything running smoothly.
A combination debrief/volunteer appreciation picnic will take place this weekend, Verraes said.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.