Fireworks Rescheduled for Dusk Today
By SHELLEY HANSONArticle Photos
A Fourth of July filled with rain may have resulted in a few soggy hot dogs and hamburgers for picnickers Friday - but music to celebrate our nation's independence played on at WesBanco Arena.
The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra performed at the downtown venue despite the postponement of a fireworks display because of wet weather.
Susan Hogan, symphony executive director, said the fireworks display has been rescheduled for dusk today at Heritage Port, located near the arena on Water Street.
Although weather forecasts predict a chance of showers today, Hogan was confident tonight would be dry and the fireworks display wouldn't be disrupted.
''It'll be great,'' she said, noting the fireworks company needs about four dry hours to set up.
In its traditional fashion, the symphony was scheduled to perform a free concert Friday evening at the port prior to fireworks. However, the continuous wet weather and promise of more rain forced officials to move it indoors to the neighboring arena.
The symphony, led by conductor Andre Raphel Smith, played a variety of patriotic tunes for Ohio Valley residents to celebrate the nation's 232nd birthday. West Virginia's Mountain Stage Band also joined in the fun.
