Revelers gathered for an evening of fun, music and fireworks at the city of Newcastle’s Fourth of July celebration Thursday, but many left with disappointment at what appeared to be a lackluster firework show.

Just five minutes after the fireworks began in what was expected to be a 12-minute display, the fireworks contractor experienced technical difficulties, according to an email from the city.

“The city of Newcastle sincerely apologizes for the brevity of the fireworks display at the Fourth at the Lake Celebration,” city clerk Sara McMillon wrote in an email.

All of the fireworks were charged, but most did not ignite, the email explained. Because they were charged, they presented a threat to safety and had to be let off as soon as possible.

The remaining fireworks finally ignited at about 11:30 p.m.

“The city is looking into all of the details of what caused the incident,” McMillon wrote. “We greatly apologize for the disappointment this caused.”

The city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration is set for Thursday at Lake Boren Park.

Attendees can begin gathering at the park as early as 6 p.m., when food vendors will be available. The band Big Dog Revue will take the stage from 8-10 p.m. The fireworks show will begin when it gets dark, or just after 10 p.m.

Patriotic glow necklaces and paper flags will be given out as souvenirs.

The Lake Boren Park show is the only authorized place to see fireworks in Newcastle. Residents are not allowed to light fireworks within city limits.

This year’s event is sponsored by Lake Boren Townhomes.

WANTED

Newcastle News wants to see your photos from the Newcastle Fourth of July celebration at Lake Boren Park. Email your contact information and, if possible, photos or video of your patriotic fun to newcastle@isspress.com, or contact the newspaper on Twitter at www.twitter.com/newcastlenewswa or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newcastlenewswa. We may feature your photos in an upcoming issue or on one of our social media platforms!

On Twitter, tag your photos with #NewcastleFourth and we will retweet the best ones.