An annual fireworks festival set for Saturday that draws thousands of fireworks enthusiasts to Jaffrey each year has been cancelled due to a viable bomb threat.

In a letter released this afternoon by Jaffrey Chief of Police William Oswalt, the news of the cancellation of the event, set for Aug. 18, was made public.

It reads:

"At approximately  9:50 a.m. on August 16th the Jaffrey Police Department received a report of a written threat directed to Jaffrey town officials. Similar threatening communications were received by the Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce and the Keene Sentinel.

"In those communications, the author indicated a direct threat of violent action that would take place at or near the local airport where the Annual Jaffrey Festival of Fireworks is scheduled to take place this Saturday, August 18^th.

An investigation was begun immediately. Due to the nature of this threat, I have sought assistance from local, county, state and federal agencies.

This is being investigated as a bomb threat directed at the people attending the fireworks show with the apparent motive of causing disruption of the event and an adverse impact on the Town of Jaffrey.

That investigation is being led by the Jaffrey Police Department with the full cooperation of all law enforcement agencies including the NH Attorney Generals office, the U. S. Attorney, NH State Police as well as agents from the FBI, ATF and the Postal Inspector’s office.

At this early stage of the investigation we have been unable to develop sufficient facts and information that provide a level of confidence that the security of the event can be assured. We are therefore announcing this year’s Festival of Fireworks has been cancelled.

We are requesting that anyone that might have information relevant to this investigation contact the Jaffrey Police Department at 532-7865 or on our web site at www.townofjaffrey/police"

More information will be made available following a planned press conference at 3 p.m. today in Jaffrey. Patch will bring you an update.