Charlestown cancels its celebratory cannon fire

CHARLESTOWN — A small but loud part of town will be quiet this Independence Day.

Charlestown officials informed town residents this week that the cannon, situated in Long Point Park at the corner of Water and Conestoga Streets, will not be fired July 4 at 10 a.m. as had been the tradition since 2018.

Long Point Park was damaged by the June 24 fire that destroyed a historic waterfront home near the park. The cannon, which was restored by Dan Rubert, was not damaged but its accompanying flagpole was so town officials closed the park as a matter of public safety.

The cannon fire was to be part of an Independence Day ceremony at Long Point Park. Town officials said Tuesday that the entire ceremony had been canceled.