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Council moves fireworks earlier to 9:20 p.m. to aid businesses after safety debate
Summary
After debate about policing, youth incidents and business impacts, the Old Orchard Beach council voted 5–0 to change Thursday-night fireworks start time to 9:20 p.m. to balance public-safety concerns and support for sponsoring businesses.
The council voted unanimously to change the Thursday-night fireworks start time to 9:20 p.m., shifting from a proposed 9:45 p.m. or a previously approved 9:00 p.m. slot. The motion followed council discussion about public-safety incidents tied to the large downtown crowds and acknowledgement that later start times help the sponsoring businesses.
Council members said they wanted to avoid cancelling fireworks because of isolated juvenile incidents; Deputy Chief Hemingway and other staff were cited as affirming strong police presence. One councilor noted two incidents earlier in the season involving minors (a 10‑year‑old and a 13‑year‑old), and the council discussed parental responsibility and enforcement limits for underage participants. The council voted 5‑0 to set the new start time at 9:20 p.m.
