July 3, 2009 Rain delays fireworks in several NH towns Play video

(NECN: Lauren Collins, Manchester, NH) - If you looked outside at just the right time today - you'd see our long lost friend. You can thank Gordon Wicks - he brought the brightness from Virginia.

“I drove up here through a shower all the way up. Ten and a half hours. Non-stop rain. And now the sun's out.

And so are sun-starved New Englanders.

Which is great for Dick Kent’s seafood business, especially this weekend.

Whether planning a barbecue, getting an ice cream, or catching some rays, most people are counting one thing. Fireworks.

Manhcester, Pelham, Windham, and Portsmouth will light up the skies on their pre-set rain dates instead of Friday night. Several other towns, including Derry and Salem were taking a wait and see approach in advance of their Saturday shows.

Of course there are the industrious patriots who promise their show will go on no matter the forecast.

But even as the skies darkened over Friday’s holiday preparations, Granite Staters were optimistic the sun would hold out this July Fourth weekend.