Atlanta’s Lenox Square surprisingly axes 4th of July fireworks, a longstanding tradition

Since Lenox Square opened 58 years ago, the skies over Buckhead have crackled, boomed, and glistened each 4th of July with one of the Southeast’s largest fireworks displays. Last year’s celebration alone included 10,000 fireworks—and an estimated 350,000 spectators.

But that tradition is over. At least for now.

This week, Lenox Square officials surprised many with the announcement that central Buckhead’s longstanding fireworks spectacular will be canceled.

Instead, Lenox Square has provided “a generous donation” to the Centennial Olympic Park July 4th celebration—the region’s largest—in what officials described as a partnership.

For years, the two fireworks shows have happened nine miles apart from each other, but by the sound of things, the crowds and traffic they generated were putting a logistical strain on the city.

Atlanta.net

Robin Suggs, Lenox Square’s general manager, said in a press release: “By partnering with Centennial Olympic Park, which is only nine miles away, we can deliver an even better experience for everyone involved and provide much needed operational relief to the City of Atlanta during a very busy holiday.”

The decision to “combine forces” was influenced by “input from community leaders and officials,” the release stated. Lenox Square will continue to host the Peachtree Road Race and will add “additional patriotic activities.”

And it sounds like downtown, come Independence Day, can expect an even greater influx of pyro enthusiasts.

“We are now thrilled to have Lenox Square provide support through a generous donation and welcome the patrons who have traditionally attended the Lenox Square celebration,” said Jennifer LeMaster, Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s chief administrative officer. “We look forward to sharing some of the recent—and ongoing—revitalization efforts in downtown Atlanta.”

With the subtraction of Turner Field’s traditional display on the same night, it sounds like intown options for truly massive fireworks shows are down to one.

• Lenox Square axes fireworks show for 4th of July celebration [AJC]