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HINGHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — July 1st used to mean fireworks at Hingham Harbor. Three years ago, staffing issues cancelled the event. Then, COVID put the program on hiatus. This year, Mass Audubon discovered nesting American Oystercatchers on Button Island, and the birds are protected by state and federal guidelines.
"After all the years of not having the event, it's a decision we'll follow, but certainly not the happiest thing," said Hingham Lions Club president Mark Casale.
The Lions have hosted the event for a quarter century, but Casale says all is not lost this holiday weekend. They're planning a different kind of spectacle: a flapjack flipping contest on July 4th.
Still, the disappointment is evident.
"It was a gut punch to us," Lions members Janice Bosworth said. "I think everyone in the community was excited about having the Fourth of July."
Town officials expect to reschedule the fireworks show in September after nesting season concludes.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) has more:
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