Sparks flew on social media on a Saturday in late May 2017 after the Lititz 4th of July committee announced that proposed construction at the former Wilbur Chocolate factory could end the Fourth of July fireworks display at Lititz Springs Park.
The development plan
Days earlier, LititzDailyNews.com reported that the developers behind the proposal, which would also displace Little League teams from the Wilbur Fields complex, were the owners of the Lancaster Barnstormers professional baseball team and principals of Lancaster’s Oak Tree Development Group.
Barnstormers owners Ian Ruzow, Rob Liss, Steve Zuckerman and Bob Zuckerman announced, through Oak Tree Development Group, a plan to turn the beloved Wilbur Chocolate property into a boutique hotel, luxury apartments and two buildings of 55-and-older condominiums.
“Most likely the last”
“Due to the planned development, this display will most likely be the last fireworks display held at the Park,” Tim Reedy, chairman of the Lititz 4th of July committee, posted to the Lititz Springs Park and Lititz 4th of July Facebook pages.
The announcement sparked anger in a community where the fireworks have long been a cherished part of the celebration. More than 14,000 people turn out each year for the Lititz Springs Park Fourth of July celebration, and the fireworks launched from the Wilbur Little League fields are among its best-loved moments.
Residents react
Residents for whom the fireworks are a family tradition responded with frustration.
“So first the kids lose their little league fields for which they have invested thousands in repairs and upgrades and now the 4th of July Fireworks event,” one resident posted.
Another wrote that after 28 years of attending with family, including relatives who travel from New York each year, “Won’t be the same if it’s not at the park!”
A resident whose family has lived in Lititz since the early 1900s told LititzDailyNews.com she opposed moving the fireworks elsewhere. “Taking one part away ruins the whole event. Moving it to another location would ruin the whole tradition,” she said. She started an online petition against the Wilbur development that quickly gathered more than 800 signatures.
“I can’t believe they’re going to mess up the town baseball fields… and now ruin the fireworks too,” another resident posted.
Borough reaction
After the plans were announced, Lititz Borough Council member Corey Van Brookhoven told the Central Penn Business Journal, “I’m glad there will be a new use there.” Van Brookhoven also led the Lititz Historical Foundation.
Looking for a new launch site
Reedy said that while 2017 might be the last year for fireworks from the current location, they would remain part of the celebration.
“Discussions are underway between the developer, the Park, the July 4th committee and Celebrations Fireworks to secure an alternative site for 2018 and beyond,” he wrote.
Some residents suggested launching from the park itself, but Reedy said that would not work.
“If the planned development is approved, the current launch site will become occupied space, and therefore, can no longer be utilized as a launch site. Moving the launch site (i.e. moving a 560 foot safety circle) to the park grounds would not allow this safety zone to be met as well as allowing for a suitable viewing area for the 14,000 people who pay to come to the park,” Reedy posted. Ticket sales from the event help fund park maintenance and upkeep.
Others asked about launching near the Johnson & Johnson plant.
“Moving the launch site closer to Johnson & Johnson is not an option due to their flammable alcohol tanks. Further, no other space in the proximity of the park allows for this safety zone to be met,” he wrote.
Reedy declined an interview request from LititzDailyNews.com.
How to get involved
The future of the tradition rested with local leaders. Lititz Borough offices are at 7 S. Broad St., and borough council, planning commission and zoning hearing board meetings are open to the public. Residents can also request borough records under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law, with forms available from the state Office of Open Records.
A tradition worth protecting
For many families, the Fourth in Lititz Springs Park is a fixed point on the calendar, with blankets spread on the lawn, candlelit evening ceremonies and fireworks over the park. Any change to how the evening ends was bound to stir strong feelings.
This article was originally published in June 2017.