On Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, organizers of the Three Tree Point Committee announced via email that this year’s 4th of July fireworks show may be cancelled due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

This is an annual barge based, high-altitude fireworks show that was originally started by the Miller family as a gift to the Three Tree Point Community, and has been continued by neighbors via fundraiser since the Millers moved away.

Fireworks vendor Western Display Fireworks says that the virus is affecting the availability of fireworks that are manufactured in China.

“As you may know, 95% of fireworks are made in China and all Chinese fireworks manufacturers are currently shut down due to the virus,” they said. “This means that even if Western Display Fireworks could procure fireworks for the show (which they are not sure they will be able to do), it will be at a much higher rate than our usual cost.”

“This is a major issue that is not going to have resolution until the Coronavirus gets under control and the factories open, just to name one of the factors,” vendor Western Display Fireworks said.

Because of this issue, organizers are at a fork in the road regarding 4th of July festivities for the Three Tree Point and Burien community.

They say that some options include, but are not limited to:

    • Raising funds for only the parade and flag raising.
    • Cancelling the 4th of July celebrations altogether & letting families organize their own events.

“We are asking for your suggestions on how you would like to see Three Tree Point celebrate Independence Day. Since Western Display Fireworks required a 25% deposit by April 1st last year to secure their services, we would appreciate your prompt input.”

Contact organizers Veronique Hval and Chantel Pennettawith with any suggestions or ideas via email: veronique@windermere.com.

Here’s text of the full email sent out by organizers:

Fireworks and Coronavirus

Dear neighbors,

We have been in correspondence with Western Display Fireworks, who have been our 4th of July pyrotechnicians for many years. We have received several emails from them expressing concerns about providing fireworks this year due to the coronavirus.

As you may know, 95% of fireworks are made in China and all Chinese fireworks manufacturers are currently shut down due to the virus. This means that even if Western Display Fireworks could procure fireworks for the show (which they are not sure they will be able to do), it will be at a much higher rate than our usual cost.

Because of this, we are at a fork in the road regarding the 4th of July festivities for our community. Some options include but are not limited to:

    • Raising funds for only the parade and flag raising.
    • Canceling the 4th of July celebrations altogether & letting families organize their own events.

We are asking for your suggestions on how you would like to see Three Tree Point celebrate Independence Day. Since Western Display Fireworks required a 25% deposit by April 1st last year to secure their services, we would appreciate your prompt input.

As details become available, we will share them with you.

Thank you,
The Three Tree Point Committee

These are excerpts from the emails we received this week:

“Thank you for your emails. There are a number of challenges we as a company, and the industry as a whole, are facing this year. The Coronavirus has stopped all production of fireworks in China, where 95% of the product used in the U.S. is manufactured. I am waiting on information on all these items, and will provide a more detailed email next week as to the status of the show, and projected pricing, so we can collectively decide how to move forward.”

“This is a major issue that is not going to have resolution until the Coronavirus gets under control and the factories open, just to name one of the factors. I will let you know as soon as we have additional information.”

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