Organizers intended to launch fireworks from a west barge at North Marina Park in Saratoga Springs and an east barge at American Fork Marina to honor America 250th anniversary and the state’s pioneer heritage. 

Weather forced a delay of the scheduled 10 p.m. launch and the Saratoga Springs show was ultimately canceled because the barge could not be safely anchored down. 

“Today’s weather threw us a wrench,” Utah County Commission Chair Skyler Beltran said in a social media post. “Unfortunately, we had that summer thunderstorm this afternoon, it delayed anchoring the barges by two hours. We were able to place the American Fork barge and get that show off. 

“Unfortunately, on the west side, we tried to get it anchored, but the wind picked up in the last hour and we were not able to anchor all four sides.”

Beltran extended an apology to those who made plans to see the show. 

“Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as we attempted this first-ever event, but at the end of the day safety has to come first,” he said. 

The event was an intergovernmental effort that came together in a matter of weeks with the support of various state leaders as a response to the drought and fireworks bans around the state and to celebrate the holiday. 

The idea was sparked by Lehi City Councilwoman Emily Lockhart, and planning began on July 6 with a phone call between Lockhart, Beltran, and state Rep. Stephanie Gricius, according to a news release. 

“As we celebrate Pioneer Day and America’s 250th anniversary, fireworks at Utah Lake give us an opportunity to come together as one community and celebrate the history, freedom, and pioneering spirit that have shaped both our state and our nation. This is the first year of what we hope will become a beloved Utah County tradition for generations to come, a night when families and neighbors from across the county gather around Utah Lake and celebrate together,” Gricius said in the release.