Canton July 4 fireworks cut short

Maggie enjoyed the display
By DeeAnna Haney | Jul 08, 2012
Photo by: Stina Sieg photo While there was no community fireworks display in Canton, there was plenty of chances to have fun at the community gathering in the park. Above, Cecil Patton, a clogger, steals a dance with Leslie Singerman.

Canton residents enjoyed their first annual town 4th of July Celebration last week with plenty of festivities, although a planned fireworks show at a private home was thwarted by police.

The town found out about the fireworks after reading Facebook posts that the show from resident Mark Parham’s yard could be seen from the football field starting around 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Once Police Chief Bryan Whitner got news of the fireworks stashed at Parham’s house, he said he was obligated to confiscate them.

Accompanied by the fire marshal and Canton Fire Department Chief Jimmy Campbell, Whitner approached Parham, who willingly gave up the fireworks, Whitner said.

It took a trailerload to haul off the “significant” number of fireworks, Whitner said. Parham told officers it was about $1,800 worth.

No citations were issued because Parham was cooperative and willing to give up the fireworks, Whitner said.

To read full story, pick up the Monday, July 9, edition of The Mountaineer, or click here.

Comments (1)
Posted by: Mark Parham | Jul 08, 2012 11:46

This was intended to be a donation to the community and citizens of Canton and all who wanted to come out and enjoy. I have had a display every year and been thanked each year for doing it not only by members of the community but also local law inforcement. Not one time has there been an issue. This was planned in hopes that the town would embrace a 4th of July festival like the neighboring towns do and take it over next year. Canton could certainly use more events for the citizens and families. It was my understanding that since it is the 4th of July there is certain leniency for fireworks and thats the way it has always been. I was in no way trying to hide, or be unethical about this display as I did post it for families and the community to see. It would have taken a simple phone call to cancel the show, and I could have returned the items purchased. I in no way intended to do anything that wasnt approved or allowed by the town. Ironically on the night of the 4th I sat at the residence where these were seized and watched hours of fireworks displays being put on right inside city limits.



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