Fireworks sink into Otsego Lake after platform breaks
OTSEGO COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Tomorrow is the Fourth of July and we've had our share of fireworks all weekend, with plenty more to come.
However, one northern Michigan display over the weekend was cancelled at the last minute.
On Saturday, the Otsego Lake Association was supposed to have a fireworks show out on Otsego Lake.
But one of the floating platforms had a problem.
"We were all set up, had our lawn chairs out, then people were walking along the beach saying the fireworks were cancelled because apparently the barge broke in half and they lost all their fireworks in the water," said Scott Rich, a Gaylord resident.
One of the platforms gave way and spilled many of the fireworks into the water.
According to the county, the Otsego Lake Assocation had raised $22,000 to pay Wolverine Fireworks to put on the show.
What we don't know is if that money still has to be paid, or who is on the hook for the lost fireworks.
We were told that a different company put together the platform that malfunctioned.
"We are happy that no one was hurt and we were able to take care of it safely. We’re looking forward to next year to have an even better show to put on, so we’re looking to that," said Jacob Brown, the director of Otsego County Parks and Recreation.
Brown said that the association and the relevant authorities might discuss rescheduling the show, but there's nothing concrete.
UpNorthLive News reached out to Wolverine Fireworks, but here was no one available for comment.
They've moved on to the dozens of other shows taking place on Monday night and Tuesday.
According to Michigan State Police, a bomb squad supervised the company as they retrieved the fireworks, which were then safely disposed.