Weather may dampen Fourth of July festivities

July 3, 2008 5:43 pm
Carnival organizers hope that rides such as the ferris wheel do not remain inactive during the Fourth of July weekend due to inclement weather.
Carnival organizers hope that rides such as the ferris wheel do not remain inactive during the Fourth of July weekend due to inclement weather.

By MARK STROHSCHEIN

With thunder crashing and lightning blazing the skies overhead on Wednesday and Thursday, residents of Oak Harbor are wondering if the threatening gray clouds will clear so all can enjoy the Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration. The festivities will be highlighted by the 11 a.m. Koetje Agency and Travelers Insurance Grand Parade and the 10 p.m. Harbor Station Community Fireworks Celebration.

AccuWeather.com does predict clearing for Friday, with clouds and sunshine replacing overcast skies. Highs should reach 67 degrees with a low of 54. However, Friday night should be overcast. Showers are not in the forecast again until Saturday evening.

For local fireworks vendors such as the Soroptomists International of Oak Harbor, who have a stand in the field next to 7-Eleven, the inclement weather has forced some changes.

“For a half hour (on Wednesday night) they had to close because of the thunder and lightning,” said soroptomist Elena Bainbridge.

Despite the weather, Thursday’s fireworks sales have been steady. Soroptomist vendor Michele McKenna said, “We’ve had a steady flow despite the torrential downpour.”

“Monday and Tuesday were really good in terms of sales,” said soroptomist Letta Meaux, “but yesterday’s numbers were really down.”

Carnival organizers are hoping for clearing, as thunder and lightning will spell inactivity and no sales. Enthusiastic carnival-goers are also hoping that blue skies will return. Who wants to eat cotton candy in the rain?