Orient Harbor fireworks: Happy belated Birthday, America

After three postponements and concerns that the show could be canceled altogether, fireworks were finally set to light up Orient Harbor Saturday night as part of the community’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

The privately funded display, organized by Orient Harbor July 4th Festivities Inc., was scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. Organizers set a $40,000 fundraising goal for the show.

Photos by Jeremy Garreston

The fireworks were originally scheduled for June 27 before being postponed to July 10 and then July 18 because of bad weather.

The event also faced concerns from residents about parking, safety and noise before receiving approval from the Southold Town Board. Supervisor Al Krupski said the town worked with its police department to address traffic and parking issues, including prohibiting parking on one side of Village Lane to preserve emergency access.

“America’s 250th definitely played into my decision making, and that’s such a big anniversary for our country,” Mr. Krupski said.

After weeks of delays, the weather was expected to cooperate, with mostly clear skies forecast over Orient Harbor for Saturday night.