“The Pell City Police Department, with the assistance of the Riverside Police Department and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, will implement the traffic control plan for the thousands of visitors who travel to Lakeside Park and the Pell City Sports Complex on July 4 for the annual fireworks display,” Pell City Police chief Greg Turley said.
The annual fireworks show is at 8:45 p.m. Sunday at Lakeside Park, and may also be viewed from the Pell City Sports Complex. It is free and open to the public.
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 in Lakeside Park. Visitors should also park in such a manner that they will not have to back their vehicle while in the park.
Turley said alcoholic beverages are prohibited inside the park, and law enforcement officers will be patrolling inside the park prior to the fireworks display.
Turley also offered safety tips for individuals who plan to shoot fireworks themselves.
“It is not illegal to shoot fireworks in the city limits,” he said. “But be safe and don’t create a nuisance.”
Fireworks safety tips include:
O The best way to safely enjoy fireworks is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.
O Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
O Allow older children to use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
O Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.
O Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.
O Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting.
O Never ignite devices in a container.
O Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.
O Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
Contact Elsie Hodnett at ehodnett@dailyhome.com.
