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City could change, cancel fireworks after fights, arrests

Posted at 8:19 AM, Jul 06, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-06 08:19:09-04

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — Southwestern Michigan officials could change or cancel next year’s fireworks after an unruly crowd got violent and pelted police and spectators who gathered at a Lake Michigan beach with bottles.

City Council discussed concerns Tuesday night about Sunday’s annual “Light up the Lake” event on North Beach in South Haven. Mayor Robert Burr says there have been calls already to cancel next year’s event, but he says “such a move would be too hasty.”

Options include changing aspects of the show including the date, time and duration.

Police say a large crowd became violent and fights started. Police closed the beach and have said at least two dozen people were arrested, but the actual number could be twice that. City officials say law enforcement did their best to contain problems.