Morristown's fireworks show, grounded back in September by a nor'easter, is finally getting its do-over this Saturday as part of a rescheduled Living History Weekend tied to the town's America 250th anniversary celebration. The display will be sponsored by Sanofi and launched from the parking lot at Bishop Nazery Way near the Whippany River, with crews planning to use five-inch shells instead of the standard two- or three-inch versions typically seen at local shows.
Reports on the exact start time differ. Morristown Green reported the fireworks were set for 6 p.m. Saturday, while Morristourism listed the display as currently scheduled for dusk. Either way, the show marks the second attempt at a celebration that was supposed to happen weeks ago.
Morristown officials pulled the plug on the original September 26 fireworks after citing nor'easter concerns, according to the same Morristown Green report from that week. At the time, the town said in a statement that the safety of residents, families, and guests was its top priority and that it hoped to reschedule soon. A separate Morristourism page noted that the related Morristown Festival on the Green also got bumped, moving to October 4 because of the same bad weather.
Bigger Shells, Same Sponsor
Fire Chief Robert Flanagan told Morristown Green that this weekend's display will rely on five-inch shells rather than the smaller sizes typically used, and that a test-firing was conducted in October ahead of the rescheduled show. The fireworks remain sponsored by Sanofi as part of Living History Weekend, an America 250 celebration, per the outlet's reporting. The event is being coordinated by the Town of Morristown, the Morristown Fire Department, and the Morris County 250th Anniversary Steering Committee, alongside Sanofi, according to an earlier Morristown Green article covering the original September plans.
Beyond the fireworks, the rescheduled weekend spans November 7 and 8 and is expected to include historic-site open houses and tours, a Revolutionary-era encampment, and a Sunday afternoon concert, per Morristourism. The site noted that potential stops include Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Sansay House, and the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, though it cautioned that site availability and the full updated schedule were still being finalized.
Where to Watch, and Why You Might Want to Walk
Flanagan named Cauldwell Park, Pioneer Park at HQ Plaza, and the Morristown Green as prime viewing locations for the fireworks, according to Morristown Green's report. Morristourism's own list largely overlaps, pointing to Pioneers' Plaza on Speedwell Avenue and Cauldwell Park at Clyde Potts Drive and Flagler Street as places to post up. The two accounts differ slightly in naming conventions but agree on the general footprint around downtown Morristown.
Parking is expected to be tight. Morristourism described parking as very limited and encouraged attendees to walk to their viewing spot when possible, echoing guidance from the original September event listing that similarly pointed spectators toward Pioneer Park, Cauldwell Playground, and the area near Bishop Nazery Way and Center Street. The Morristown Department of Public Safety confirmed on Facebook that the celebration is happening this Saturday, giving residents a final heads-up after weeks of uncertainty following the storm delay.
