Hartford Riverfest was supposed to happen on Saturday, but the event is postponed because of high water levels.
The signature event in the capital city has been postponed because of a new report from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service on flooding.
The Northeast River Forecast center projections for water levels indicate that areas of the Riverfront Parks would be underwater, including the boat ramps needed for launching the fireworks barges.
“The recent heavy rains up and down the Connecticut River Valley have caused the river to rise, creating unsafe conditions,” Joe Marfuggi, Riverfront Recapture’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “It was a tough decision to make because Riverfest is such a popular event for the community – and so many people look forward to it each year.”
Riverfront Recapture is working with officials to come up with another date for the festival.
The strong river current and heavy floating debris in the river made it impossible to safely launch and secure the three barges from which the fireworks would have been shot, said Charlie Myers, Riverfront Recapture’s Director of Events and Programs.
"The place where they were planning to stand will be underwater," Myers said.
“We’ll still have the spectacular fireworks show that Riverfest fans come to see,” Myers added.
Fireworks, which were scheduled for Saturday night, will be postponed. The date has not yet been determined.
Check the Web site Riverfront.org for updates.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
