The annual North Boroughs Independence Day fireworks celebration will have to be delayed this year due to severe damage to Avalon’s park caused by recent rains.

This year’s event was planned for Friday, July 3, at Avalon’s park on New Brighton Road. Last week’s heavy rains, however, caused flooding from the creek that borders the ballfields. A retaining wall and fence were undermined almost the entire length of the fields, and the fields themselves were covered with flood waters, mud and debris.

Avalon borough manager Harry Dilmore and public works supervisor Keith Lorey said that there was no way to make the area safe and clean by July 3, especially with a clean-up delay imposed by FEMA.

Organizers say that the fireworks will be held this summer, most likely in conjunction with the Labor Day holiday.

The event is funded by donations from North Borough municipalities and area residents.