Maplewood Sets Off Fireworks On 5th Of July After Rain Night Before

MAPLEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- There was a delayed celebration in Essex County, New Jersey, Tuesday night, after a 4th of July washout the night before.

As CBS2's Tracee Carrasco reported, it amounted to an Independence Day do-over in Maplewood as fireworks finally lit up the night sky.

"We're calling this 4th of July round two," said Tom Pascuite, chair of the Maplewood 4th of July Committee.

After heavy rain on Monday forced organizers with the Maplewood Civic Association to postpone their annual fireworks show, it was a tough call after a picture perfect day of festivities.

"They had a right to see the display without having a downpour of rain on them, and half the field had already vacated before we had even canceled the fireworks, so losing a lot of audience, it was kind of a quick decision," Pascuite said.

Spectators in Maplewood Monday night were drenched when the downpour started an hour before the fireworks were set to go off.

"The skies opened up and it was really cold and unpleasant," said Jim Quinless of Maplewood. "We held out and we stayed and we waited, but we just – we gave up."

But the weather Tuesday night was a complete 180, with a heat wave headed toward the area. Spectators called it "a little warm" and "a little humid."

Many were happy the fireworks were postponed. But others were not so sure about celebrating America's birthday a day late.

"Well, it feels weird," one boy said.

"It is the 5th of July, but it's what we make it," said Lisa Cox of Maplewood.

But in the end, it was worth it.

"It was fantastic," said Eddie Korbich of Maplewood. "It was really, really great; loved it."

More than 5,000 people came out for the make-up 4th of July show. Organizers hope next year, Mother Nature cooperates a little better.