For the past 30-plus years, Whitehall's Caste Village Shopping Center has attracted thousands to its annual fireworks display held the Friday before July 4.

But the display has turned into a nightmare for neighbors.

"The fireworks are out of control for those of us who live on Baptist Road," Mary Beth Novak told council last week.

Ms. Novak, who has lived there since 2003, complained about the drunken and disorderly conduct of spectators who park along the road, cut through yards and use a hillside path to gain access to the Giant Eagle parking lot to watch.

She said she was upset this year about the large number of underage drinkers and drivers operating under the influence of alcohol.

"Does someone have to die before something is done?" she asked council.

Ms. Novak said that when a drunken driver that night damaged her neighbor's van, police were unable to respond because they were overwhelmed by the crowd, which according to police Chief Don Dolfi reached some 20,000 jammed into less than a quarter-mile area.

"We are terrorized that night," Ms. Novak said.

Chief Dolfi said Ms. Novak's concerns are valid and that police are looking into the matter.

Mayor Jim Nowalk said this was the first complaint he has heard from residents of Baptist Road. He asked Ms. Novak and neighbors to bring concerns to council again next year so it does not happen again.

The mayor said that previous problems associated with the holiday display were successfully resolved. For example, the launching area for the fireworks was moved to prevent debris from falling onto homes on Old Boston Road, and residents of Plymouth Road now hold their annual block party that day to prevent spectators from parking on their street.