Town working to identify new site to launch 2022 fireworks display: ‘multiple locations are being considered’

June 16, 2022 by Carol Britton Meyer

The Town of Hingham was recently informed that the Hingham Lions Club will not be able to launch its annual fireworks display at the customary Button Island location due to federal environmental regulations.

"We're working really hard to present the Lions with alternative launch sites that will be safe, maximize viewing opportunities, and accommodate large crowds to allow for a fireworks display over the July 4th weekend," Select Board member William Ramsey told the Hingham Anchor.

Ramsey explained that the Massachusetts Audubon Society notified the National Park Service that a number of the Harbor Islands, including Button Island, are home to wildlife that is protected under federal regulations.

Hingham Harbormaster Kenneth Corson was notified of this news and conveyed the information to the Select Board.

"Although this is disappointing, the town did it's due diligence [in verifying the presence of protected wildlife on Button Island], and now we're looking at other locations," Ramsey said. "If a suitable site(s) is found, the final decision will be made by the Lions Club."

Thanks to Showcase Cinemas, the Hingham Harborworks fireworks display was set to light up the sky on July 1 -- launched from Button Island as in the past -- in celebration of the opening of the Showcase Cinema de Lux Hanover Crossing this Fall and of the popular Fourth of July holiday itself.

For 2022, Showcase Cinemas -- a world leader in the motion picture exhibition industry -- is the official sponsor of the fireworks -- hosted by the Lions Club of Hingham, which has organized the fireworks for many years.

"We are committed to the community and to the event, and if the Lions Club and the town figure out a way to move forward, we will be there to support that decision," Mark Malinowski, VP of Global Marketing for Showcase Cinemas, told the Hingham Anchor. "We understand that a solution needs to be figured out that works for everyone, and we hope that happens. We want to do this."

Hingham is not the only coastal community facing this type of challenge. "Hingham is not unique," Ramsey said. "Some towns have had to postpone or move the location of their fireworks."

Lions Club President Mark Casale said the Club "is working with all stakeholders -- including the Select Board, the town's conservation officer, Town Administrator Tom Mayo, the DPW, fire and police departments, and the harbormaster -- to ensure that the Harborworks event is successful this year."

Ramsey explained that environmental groups recommend a buffer of at least 3/4 of a mile between fireworks, in this case, and the areas where protected wildlife is nesting.

"Everybody was thrilled to have the fireworks back in Hingham and appreciates all the effort involved," he said. "We're optimistic that they can still happen."

Town officials are working with school officials to determine whether there are any viable sites for the fireworks on property under the care, custody, and control of the School Department, Ramsey said, but nothing has yet been decided. "There are multiple sites under consideration, with more information to come."