Except for a hiatus during World War II, fireworks have lit up the sky over the Avalon Athletic Fields every year since 1911 for the Fourth of July.
But the annual tradition was postponed this year because last month's heavy rains flooded the fields.
Three feet of mud covered the fields, and it would be impossible to clean the site and ensure safety in time for Friday, said borough Manager Harry Dilmore. Festivities are postponed to later in the summer, likely around Labor Day.
"It's just such a shame because it has a lot of history over the years," said Dilmore. "Everyone feels bad we're not having it, but we're going to have a great party on Labor Day."
Six communities — Bellevue, Ben Avon, Emsworth, Kilbuck, Ohio Township and Ben Avon Heights — participated with Avalon in the celebration, which is funded through donations, not tax dollars, said Ed Klicker, Avalon Council president. Klicker helped organize the event for years before entering politics.
He said a retaining wall between the field and Spruce Run Creek was washed out by the flooding.
"You walk right into the creek from the field," Klicker said. Portable toilets were floating in the field during the heavy rains, causing damage similar to Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
Klicker said the celebration was started by Avalon churches. This year's celebration is run by the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department. Festivities had been scheduled for Friday so they would not conflict with Pittsburgh's celebration on Saturday.
An Independence Day celebration has been held by Avalon every year except for 1942-44. Fireworks always have been the main attraction, but other activities have included skydivers and bands.
A recent popular event is a hot dog-eating contest between the varsity football teams of Avonworth High School and Northgate Senior High. Last year, Northgate won the contest, but Avonworth had one of its best football seasons in years, ending with an 11-1 record and the title of 2008 WPIAL Eastern Conference Champions.
Klicker and Dilmore both said they have heard from Avonworth coach Jason Kekseo that he is hoping to lose the hot dog contest again if it means another successful football season.
"It's just a great multi-community event," Dilmore said.
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