Raleigh 4th of July Fireworks at Dix Park fires off after weather delay

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Rain pushed through Raleigh a little after 9 p.m. forcing the city to delay the fireworks.

Shortly before 9:30 p.m. (which was the scheduled time for the fireworks show to start), an announcement from the DJ at the event informed crowds that the fireworks show was canceled because of the rain and everybody in the park needed to go home.

But then, without warning, fireworks started shooting off shortly before 9:45 p.m. The fireworks show lasted several minutes but was nowhere near the length planned for the original show.

The City of Raleigh confirmed to ABC11 at 10:30 p.m. that the abbreviated fireworks show would be the only city-sanctioned fireworks show this year.

Initial contingency plans from the City of Raleigh for what to do if weather caused problems at the event was to postpone the entire fireworks show until July 5, when it would air during a special broadcast on ABC11 without an in-person audience at Dix Park. It's unclear at this time why the abbreviated fireworks show contingency plan was abandoned.

----Below is the previous story----

The Raleigh 4th of July Fireworks is returning to Dix Park for its third consecutive year. The City of Raleigh and ABC11 are partnering again for the most spectacular Independence Day fireworks in North Carolina.

ABC11 will once again bring you the main event live starting at 9 p.m. as we countdown to the snap, crackle and pop of the best Independence Day fireworks show in North Carolina at 9:30 p.m. You can watch the show on TV or any smart device through the ABC11 North Carolina app (it'll also be live in the above video player).

It's July and it will be HOT. In fact, this July 4th came in as the second hottest July 4 ever recorded. It's highly recommended that you bring your sunscreen, a hat and refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Download the ABC11 App to get weather updates and breaking news

Event Schedule

• 5:30 p.m. - Parking open and free shuttles start

• 6:00 p.m. - Gates open: Activities begin including music and food trucks

• 9:00 p.m. - Last shuttle ride leaves Moore Square Park for drop off at Dix Park

• 9:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Fireworks

• 10:00 p.m. - Shuttles return attendees to Moore Square Park

Food and Fun

• Food Truck Court with 40 food trucks

• Artsplosure

• Foam party pit

• Water slides

• Scavenger hunt

Entertainment

• Music with DJ Rickey Smith

• Community Dance

DJ Rickey Smith is trying ti bring a "fun, energetic vibe" to Raleigh's fireworks show.

9:00 p.m. - ABC11 Live Special and Countdown to Fireworks

ABC11 is the presenting sponsor for the city's free fireworks show, where this Zumba teacher will lead a free class before the show.

Parking and Shuttles

• Gates open and activities begin at 6 p.m.

• Free event parking is available at downtown parking decks and NC State Centennial Campus.

• No parking will be allowed on the Dix Park campus.

• Starting at 5:30 p.m., FREE shuttles will run from Moore Square Park to and from Dix Park.

• The final shuttle leaves Moore Square for drop-off at Dix Park at 9:00 p.m.

Other Options

• A family drop-off and rideshare lot

• Bike corrals off the greenway

• Scooter drop-off zones

• ADA parking with circulating shuttles

WHAT IS ALLOWED

• Food and non-alcoholic drinks, small cooler or bag permitted

• Refillable water bottle

• Blanket and/or camp chairs for seating

• Personal sized umbrellas

• Sunscreen, hats, bug spray, flashlights

WHAT'S NOT ALLOWED

• Weapons of any kind

• Pets

• Alcohol

• Smoking and vaping

• Drug use

• Open flames and grilling

• Tents, canopies

• Drones

• Personal fireworks or sparklers

From watching fireworks to grilling outside, all the things we humans enjoy about the 4th of July aren't necessarily as much fun for our four-legged friends.

For more information, click on Raleigh's July 4th Fireworks Celebration at Dix Park.

WATCH: An inside look at the explosive growth near Dix Park

Hundreds of millions of dollars in new homes, new retail stores -- essentially a brand-new neighborhood -- are rising right next door to Raleigh's destination park.