Fort Bragg to sync sky-high display, music for socially distant Fourth

Many Fourth of July fireworks displays across the country are being canceled because of the coronavirus, but that's not the case at Fort Bragg.

Posted 8:56 p.m. Jul 2, 2020 — Updated 9:01 p.m. Jul 2, 2020

Gilbert Baez

, WRAL Fayetteville reporter

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Many Fourth of July fireworks displays across the country are being canceled because of the coronavirus, but that's not the case at Fort Bragg.

There are, however, big changes in store for the Independence Day celebration this year on post.

There will be 1,400 pound of explosives detonated from the Polo Field. Fort Bragg is no stranger to putting on the big show for a very big crowd. In the past, nearly 60,000 people have packed the Parade Field to picnic and enjoy the fireworks. But with coronavirus cases climbing, only those with Department of Defense or military ID will be allowed on post this year.

"Unfortunately, if you don't have a DOD ID, you won't be allowed on the installation. However, you should be able to see our fireworks show from Spring Lake, from the borders of the installation," said Fort Bragg spokesman Adam Luther.

Those who get on post will be positioned at 10 parking lots to enjoy the show.

It won't be the same as being near the big guns when the "1812 Overture" rings out, but the community can still enjoy the sights and sounds together.

"What we are doing is syncing up with one of our local radio stations who will be doing simul-broadcasting at the same time the fireworks are going off," Luther said.

Fireworks expert Danny Sheckles says his company can match the display to the music selected by the post.

Some of the shots will explode 600 feet in the air, but the number to remember this year in six feet – the recommended social distance to keep the coronavirus at bay.

The fireworks show starts at 9:30 Saturday night. They'll start letting people on post to get into position at 7:30.

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