MADISON, Wis. -- The threat of severe weather prompted the organizers of the Rhythm and Booms fireworks display in Madison to reschedule the event for Sunday.

The organizers said all the music stages, carnival rides, events and concessions will be held on Sunday instead of Saturday. The fireworks display will start at 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

Deb McCue, vice president of the Madison Fireworks Fund, said the organizers couldn't take the risk of having a huge crowd at Warner Park if storms roll in.

Warner Park was still open for rides on Saturday afternoon, but event officials and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz made the decision to postpone at about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Calling off the event early helped minimize overtime costs for event security, WISC-TV reported.

Organizers said even though last year's fireworks went off without a hitch despite similar weather issues. This year, they were taking no chances, said organizer Terry Kelly.

"The difference between last year when we waited through and got the event on and everything was great. This year, the storm threat is right at the time when the most people are arriving, right at the most difficult time for those people to get to safety if they need to," said Kelly.

Despite the postponement, some people did come to Warner Park expecting fireworks and said they were disappointed by the decision.

"Well, we come here every year so it was a little disappointing when we found out it was canceled already," said Madison resident Donielle Meek.

"I took off work tonight so tomorrow, I've got to work all day," said Madison resident Trina Hanson said.

Both Meek and Hanson said that they believe Rhythm and Booms was called off too soon. They said they think organizers should have waited until there was actual rain and thunder.

Sunday's festivities kick off at noon when the carnival rides open. People can watch the Madison Mallards play at Warner Park starting at 3:05 p.m. They'll be showing the movie "Field Of Dreams" right after the game ends.

The fireworks display will get started at 9:30 p.m.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.

For More Info:

For more information, visit the Rhythm & Booms Web site.
For a schedule of events Sunday, click here.
Get Rhythm & Booms traffic plan information and a route map here (PDF).