Still, others who attended the show lauded the event as a spectacular holiday season kick-off.
On Tuesday, the city sent out a notification warning residents of the upcoming show at tonight’s tree lighting ceremony, which will run from 7:30 to 9 p.m. About 25,000 people attended last year’s event, Americana officials said. The event notification has also been posted on the city website and run on GTV6.
“We are anticipating that the fireworks display will be audible throughout the downtown area,” city spokesman Ritch Wells said. “Our concern is residents may become alarmed and will want to notify public safety officials.”
Wells urged residents not to call 9-1-1 operators unless there is an emergency. Last year, residents called the emergency line after mistaking the thundering fireworks for gunshots.
The Americana applied for and received all necessary permits for the fireworks display, Wells added.
And in response to last year’s criticisms, council members have been kept updated throughout the event permitting process.
Americana officials mailed letters to residents and business owners within a one-mile radius of the complex informing them of the planned event, according to the statement. Advertisements have also been placed in local media outlets.
Jennifer Gordon, vice president of Caruso Affiliated, which owns the Americana, said the company is following the same notification procedure as last year.
“The whole city was aware because we had to get the permit from the city,” she said.
She also encouraged the public to attend the free event, which last year drew hundreds of onlookers.
“We hope that the community does come out,” Gordon said.
On Wednesday, Drayman said he had no objections to this year’s fireworks display and believed the city’s increased notification efforts would help prevent public confusion.
“I think the city has the notification issue well in hand,” he said. “Not to say there won’t still be some residents who are still surprised.”
