Nantucket cancels annual July Fourth water fight due to drought concerns, officials say
The event, usually hosted on Main Street in Nantucket, was established in 1981 when a local man challenged then Fire Chief Bruce Watts to a water duel, according to the Nantucket Historical Association.
In place of the water fight, Cranson said there will be a fireworks show among other attractions.
Still, some residents expressed their frustrations over the cancellation of a years-long tradition.
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Daniel Gault, 50, has been living in Nantucket for 25 years. The father of four children questioned whether the severity of Nantucket's drought warranted a full cancellation of the fight.
'Could they do a smaller version?' Gault said. 'Is there something that they could do to continue this tradition, maybe not on such a big scale?'
The event usually begins in the morning, Gault said. 'Everybody gets soaked.'
Adults and children alike gather on Main Street to spray each other with squirt guns, super soakers, and hoses.
The fire department participates by bringing several fire engines and supply water.
'It's just a bummer, it's something that seems so simple,' Gault said. 'It's a classic Nantucket tradition ... it's one of our favorite days of the year.'
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This year, the Main Street area will host a farmer's market, food trucks, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a DJ - but no water fight.
Gault said that the downtown area on July Fourth will have 'no parking and a lot of traffic, so we may not even go into town.'
Sarah Mesdjian can be reached at
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