“This is our 11th year to host the fireworks show,” Parks and Recreation Department Director Bubba Edge said.
Edge said the fireworks show is free and open to the public. The show lasts approximately 25 minutes.
“Pyro Productions is putting on the show, as they have in years past,” he said. “It cost $12,000 and is paid for by the city.”
Edge said attendees can view the fireworks from Lakeside Park and the baseball and softball complexes at the Pell City Sports Complex.
“Usually people start arriving about 4 p.m.,” he said. “They bring lawn chairs and blankets and Frisbees. Coolers are allowed but no alcohol.”
Edge said the restrooms at the baseball and softball complexes and at Lakeside Park are open to the public.
“We have about 12,000-15,000 people attend every year, not counting the people in boats,” he said. “We have about 300 boats attend — boats as far as the eye can see.”
Police Chief Greg Turley said there is a fireworks safety line both on land and on the water to protect attendees from embers or debris.
“Officers on foot, bicycle patrol and patrol units will be there to get everyone in efficiently and everyone out safely,” he said. “They will also patrol the safety lines.”
Turley said the safety line on land is marked with police tape. The idle speed and hazard buoys create the safety line on the lake.
“The Alabama Marine Police and Pell City marine units will be on either side to assist with boats exiting the area,” he said. “We advise boaters to take their time heading back to home port and do so safely.”
Turley said the Pell City Police Department and St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department will assist with traffic control for people exiting Lakeside Park and the Sports Complex.
“Expect some traffic delays because it will take some time to get everyone out safely,” he said. “There is no need to call Central Dispatch to let them know you are stuck in traffic because of those delays.”
Turley said as in previous years, anyone parking in the Pell City Sports Complex will only be allowed to exit west on Cropwell Drive or north on Alabama 34. Turning east or south onto Alabama 34 will not be allowed. No traffic will be allowed south on Alabama 34 or east onto Cropwell Drive, so visitors can make two exit lines out to U.S. 231.
Anyone parking in Lakeside Park will only be allowed to turn east out of the park. This route will allow visitors to travel south on Alabama 34, east on Mays Bend Road or north on Golf Course Road and Truss Ferry Road to U.S. 78. Any northbound traffic on Alabama 34 will be routed onto Golf Course Road so all drivers exiting Lakeside Park may make two exit lines from the exit of the park to the Alabama 34/Mays Bend Road intersection.
Turley said any visitors who need to exit to U.S. 231 should park at the Sports Complex. Anyone needing to exit Alabama 34 South, Mays Bend Road or Golf Course Road should park at Lakeside Park. Visitors should also park in such a manner that they will not have to back their vehicle while in the park.
“We hope everyone will come out and enjoy the fireworks, then take their time to get home safely,” he said.
Contact Elsie Hodnett at ehodnett@dailyhome.com.
