Nantucket may move Fourth of July events due to unruly party

NANTUCKET, Mass. (AP) - A Nantucket beach party that attracts thousands of people on Independence Day could be coming to an end along with the island’s celebrations.

Nantucket police Chief Bill Pittman tells the Cape Cod Times (https://bit.ly/1MCMUgB ) that the Nobadeer Beach party drew about 7,000 people last year. He says several people were hospitalized after overdosing on drugs or alcohol. Two cars were also nearly destroyed.

Difficulties shutting the party down led Pittman to propose moving the town’s fireworks and water fights to another day. He says police could then focus on ending the beach party.

An official on the island says the change could impact businesses though, as some people may miss the events due to existing hotel reservations.

Selectmen could vote on the change next week.

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Information from: Cape Cod (Mass.) Times, https://www.capecodonline.com