Marblehead officials and residents are hoping for clear skies and calm seas as the town prepares for what organizers call a “comeback year” for its annual Fourth of July fireworks and Marblehead Harbor Illumination celebration.
Last year’s accidental barge fire in the early morning hours of July 4 forced complete cancellation of both the fireworks and Harbor Illumination, marking the second consecutive year of disappointment for the community. The previous year, dense fog rolled into Marblehead Harbor just minutes before the 9:30 p.m. launch, obscuring the fireworks display for thousands of spectators gathered at traditional viewing spots like Crocker Park, Chandler Hovey, State Street Landing, Fort Beach and Fort Sewall.
The 2025 fireworks will not include any inventory from last year. According to Fire Chief Jason Gilliland, the town recently received a full new inventory list from the fireworks company, Atlas PyroVision Entertainment Group.
“It’s the same size show,” he said, noting that Marblehead is limited by safety perimeters to a maximum shell size of eight inches. However, he hinted that a longer show could be considered for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said the Select Board is expected to sign off on the 2025 fireworks at its June 25 meeting. The fireworks display’s price tag costs around $50,000 and is supported by private donations.
“We are due for perfectly clear skies,” Kezer said, referencing the town’s recent streak of bad luck with weather and equipment.
Harbor Illumination to start earlier
This year’s celebration will feature adjusted timing based on feedback from previous years. The Harbor Illumination will begin at 8:45 p.m., 15 minutes earlier than usual, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
Gilliland said 1,500 flares will illuminate the harbor perimeter, creating the traditional “Ring of Fire” effect that precedes the main fireworks show.
Horribles Parade
Marblehead’s beloved Horribles Parade returns at 10 a.m. Friday, July 4, sponsored by the Gerry No. 5 Veteran Fireman’s Association. Step-off will take place at the National Grand Bank parking lot on Pleasant Street, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. at that location. Early registration is also available July 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Gerry 5 VFA clubhouse, 210 Beacon St.
In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be held Sunday, July 6. The route will remain the same as in previous years, beginning and ending at the National Grand Bank lot, 91 Pleasant St. This community tradition, run at no cost to the town, is co-sponsored by the Gerry 5 VFA and National Grand Bank.
What caused last year’s fire
Gilliland determined the 2024 barge fire was accidental, caused by leftover materials from the previous night’s fireworks show in Lynn. The fire broke out at approximately 1:30 a.m. on July 4.
“There were probably three or four that went off,” Gilliland said, explaining that some fireworks shells remained in tubes after the Lynn show because “the show was done electronically, and they didn’t make sure the tubes were cleared, because it was probably late and they just wanted to get off the boat.”
No new fireworks had been loaded for Marblehead’s show when the fire occurred, and no one was injured.
Safety protocols in place
Traffic restrictions will be in effect throughout downtown Marblehead during the evening fireworks celebration. Front Street will be closed entirely, while Franklin and Washington streets will operate as one-way roads to accommodate increased foot traffic and emergency access. Exiting traffic will be directed along Mugford and Green Street toward West Shore Drive.
The town recommends parking at Marblehead High School or the Recreation and Parks Department building, located at the intersection of Pleasant, Lafayette and Humphrey streets. From these locations, attendees are encouraged to walk to popular viewing spots along the harbor.
The 20-minute fireworks display will be launched from a barge positioned at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor.
Gilliland outlined the safety protocols in place for loading and launching the fireworks. After the barge arrives from Lynn, the fireworks company will deliver inventory to Commercial Street around 6:30 a.m. on the Fourth of July. Volunteers will transport the materials to the barge, where crews will spend the day loading tubes and connecting electronic firing systems.
“We need a list of what the fireworks inventory is going to be. We need a list of every person that’s going to be on the barge,” Gilliland said. “By law, they have to have all the extinguishers, life jackets and a portable marine radio.”
Fire officials and state fire marshal personnel will inspect the barge setup before approving the display, checking tube spacing, wiring connections and ensuring all cardboard packaging has been removed.
Warning about illegal fireworks
Gilliland and the State Fire Marshal’s Office issue strong warnings about illegal fireworks use ahead of the holiday weekend. All fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts, including sparklers and firecrackers.
“People do buy fireworks, no matter how small, even sparklers,” Gilliland said. “Even sparklers are not allowed in the Commonwealth.”
The fire chief noted that residents often travel to New Hampshire to purchase commercial-grade shells, some up to two inches in diameter. Two years ago, officials discovered a five-tube setup with fireworks at Green Street Park, requiring the bomb squad to safely dispose of the devices.
“It is illegal,”Gilliland said. “They can be fined.”
Violations fall under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148, with fines up to $1,000. The town relies on state law rather than local bylaws for enforcement.
After two years of weather and equipment challenges, organizers hope 2025 marks a return to the spectacular displays that have drawn visitors from across the region for decades.
“What do our fireworks mean to us here in Marblehead, the home of liberty? It’s a celebration of all Marbleheaders did for this country,” said longtime resident Christopher Butler after the 2024 cancellation. “Fourth of July is kind of like our Christmas here in Marblehead.”
How to make a fireworks fund donation
Donations can be made by check to Town of Marblehead, care of the Select Board Office, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., Marblehead, MA 01945. Online donations are accepted via Venmo at bit.ly/462Hobe or PayPal at bit.ly/3HMYFLH.
