“It looks gorgeous. It’s green. It’s lush. It’s too lush.”
That’s how Parks and Recreation Commission member Ray Reich described the fields outside Shepaug Valley High School in Washington, Conn.
“You folks come in and look at this and say, ‘What’s wrong with picnicking here?’” said Reich.
The grounds are a rich green color and appear inviting, but take one step onto that grass and your shoes will be soaked.
Reich says the commission couldn’t drive trucks on the ground to set up fireworks or even allow for cars to park on it for the event without doing substantial damage to the field. So instead, they decided to cancel.
In the past, they’ve cancelled mainly for bad weather – high winds, thunderstorms, even drought. But canceling for wet grass is a first. And as one of the year’s biggest events for Washington, it’s a big letdown for many.
Town clerk Sheila Anson works with the commission. Anson told us her family has picnicked in the same spot next to the pond every July 4 for as long as she can remember.
“Everyone is of course disappointed that they’re not going to come together today to party and to celebrate our Independence Day,” said Anson. “But they are very supportive of the decision.”
The company the town used to provide the fireworks display had not yet loaded up their trucks Wednesday when the decision was made. That allowed for an easy cancellation.
But Reich says not to worry. The town will not sell or print new passes for next year.
“They can hold on to their car pass and just use it next year,” said Reich.