Rangeley will hold a similar-sized fireworks show next year, after technical issues delayed parts of the July 3 display.

During the show, the fireworks controlled by an electronic firing system malfunctioned, according to a release issued by the town. As the shells were fired, some of the wired components to other shells were disconnected, which caused the automated system to register that they had all been fired.

Central Maine Pyrotechnics technicians traveled to the barges from where the shells were fired to inspect the setup. They determined the shells were still viable due to visible fuses. After assessing the problem, the technicians were able to manually fire the remaining shells.

The process of diagnosing the problem is what accounted for the two delays that attendees experienced. The vendor said that all but three shells with defective fusing were fired by the end of the night.

According to the release, the vendor has agreed to provide a replacement fireworks show during next year’s July 3 celebrations to make up for the faulty display. It will be of a similar size to this year’s. The vendor’s owner committed to overseeing the display next year to ensure it goes as planned.

“We recognize that the fireworks display is an important tradition for our community and the many visitors who celebrate Independence Day in Rangeley each year,” Town Manager Joe Roach said. “While the unexpected technical issues were disappointing, we appreciate the vendor’s transparency, accountability and commitment to providing an exceptional fireworks display next year.”