Monday's announcement regarding the end of the Old Fashioned 4th of July at Mercyhurst College has stirred up mixed emotions. We've spoken with Mercyhurst neighbors about the change. Tuesday, we spoke with the Port Authority Director about the potential for this celebration. City Officials seem to believe this year's Bayfront Fireworks display for 4th of July will explode into much more in years to come. The festivities will transmit from what some officials are calling a more neighborhood oriented activity to a major event. Only this year's festivities will be on a much small scale. Port Authority offiicals say it's just too late to put something together on a scale that they do feel is ultimately possible down at the Bayfront. This year's will be low key. Zambelli Fireworks display off a barge on the Bayfront with a few vendors in the park. Officials say this year will be a test to see how well people respond then they can schedule more events for next year. The city will be set for funding the event for the first three years and Port Authority Director, Ray Schreckengost believes after that the 4th of July on the Bayfront will probably have a life of its own.
