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Vienna phases in laser light show
“I've had quite a few people say they're looking forward to something different,” said Vienna Councilwoman Edyth Kelleher, glad that her constituents will get their wish.
This Fourth of July, Vienna residents celebrating their independence will not be looking up at giant, loud, multicolored explosions, but could instead view a giant bald eagle created by lasers, swooping along to strains of Gloria Estefan.
The eagle is one of the “laser modules” available under Vienna's $22,700 contract with Baltimore firm Image Engineering, which the Town Council approved April 7.
Image Engineering will provide a “multi-layered laser show” at Waters Field as a replacement for the annual town fireworks display. The town voted not to have the fireworks display after an incident last July resulted in injuries to 11 attendees, several of them serious.
New county regulations in the wake of that incident make the town's traditional shoot impossible to hold as it was. Vienna's fireworks display cost $10,000 to put on, according to Parks and Recreation head Cathy Salgado.
The town council had originally sought to pay no more than $15,000 for the laser show, but Salgado told the council that it wasn't enough.
“Unfortunately, that budget wasn't enough to do something that will make a lasting impression. ... Or replace fireworks,” Salgado said.
Salgado said that her department will make up the funding difference using funds originally intended to improve park buildings.
“I would rather see that money spent on parks,” Councilwoman Maud Robinson said.
Councilwoman Laurie Cole said the town should invest the extra money in a light show because it was the town's first experience with laser-based entertainment.
“We're trying something new. ... We have to give it a chance,” Cole said. “I've gone back and forth on what the right thing is to do.”
email the reporter at mtayloe@timespapers.com
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