Sulphur Springs celebrates America's Independence

Community recognizes veterans, celebrates freedom despite technical issues

Thousands gathered on Celebration Plaza and for blocks around downtown Saturday. People of all ages came together with blankets, chairs, tailgates and wagons Saturday to celebrate the United States of America's Independence Day with family, friends, significant others, coworkers and community members. The patriotic occassion was marked by the traditional concert and fireworks show hosted annually by Sulphur Springs Symphony League, which included patriotic music performed by Northeast Texas Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Douglas Bakenhus. People invited friends and relatives from near and far to join them for this longstanding tradition in Sulphur Springs. Veterans are recognized during the Armed Forces Salute, with those who've served, past or present, asked to stand during the music for their branch of service so those present can honor their service. Afterward, the detonator was pushed to signal the official start of the fireworks.

This year's Independence Day Celebration did not go as smoothly as in past years. There were some technical issues with the sound, which made it hard for those not very near the stage to hear the concert and the fireworks were not what was expected. Not only was there a malfunction with the fireworks, but it wasn't the wonderful show SSSL had planned, thanks to the generous contributions from local businesses. The fireworks were to go up higher to make them more visible above the roofs and trees in the downtown area, but didn't reach the height antcipated nor were most definitely not the program they signed up for.

'We apologize to the communithy for this. We are just as disappointed as you are,' said Bill Owens Symphony Leauge president. 'We are so sorry and disppointed. We are working toward a resolution that benefits the community.'

According to SSSL Treasurer Sharla Campbell, 'The firework company didn't bring the show they put in writing, and then the detonator had a board fall over, causing a malfunction' for the rest of the show.

'On the evening of June 29, 2024 Pyrotecnico performed a close-proximity fireworks display for the Sulphur Springs Symphony League. This display did not meet our own or our client’s standard of a quality display. We apologize for the disappointment felt by those in attendance including but limited to: event sponsors, staff, volunteers, the City of Sulphur Springs, and, of course, the public audience,' stated Pyrotecnico Fireworks (South) Regional Director Justin Pruett stated in a letter issued July 2.

'They have admitted fault. We are working toward a resolution to offer a free service for the comunity. We [SSL Board] have a meeting to see if we think it's good enough,' Owens said. 'We have not settled yet. We feel damaged as a nonprofit and community service organization. The sponsors, Suphur Springs and the community have been affected. We feel everyone is paying for this mistake and are working toward a resolution. We are seeking a settlement and a fair resolution to what thte cmmunity did to us as a community.'

'Pyrotecnico has had the pleasure of working with the Symphony League since 2016. We are committed to working together to ensure all future display planning efforts result in the very best show possible. We have fully credited the League for the display and have offered to produce a replacement show at no cost should that be agreeable to the Board of Directors,' Pruett further noted in the prepared statement sent to Sulphur Springs Symphony Leauge Tuesday afternoon.

'Our Company’s focus is to provide safe and entertaining shows with consistent outcomes for our clients and their audiences. This one missed the mark and we recognize that. For that, I again apologize on behalf of our entire team. We look forward to bringing back a show we will all be proud of,' Pruett concluded.

Despite rumors, both Owens and Campbell said they are unaware of anyone being injured as a result of the fireworks malfunction.

They noted City of Sulphur Springs Tourism Director Joey Baker is helping them to try to get to the root of the problem with what some described as 'subpar' sound for the concert.

'We are working on it, trying to figure out what happened, why it was not up to standard,' Baker said.

Owens said Sulphur Springs Symphony League hopes to release a statement later this week regarding a resolution for the disappointing fireworks show.