City to celebrate July 4th on 5th-McMinnville to combine annual events with bicentennial celebration

Among the numerous Fourth of July weekend activities, the Dr Pepper fireworks display is expected to attracted thousands of onlookers, but they better not show up on Independence Day. The display is scheduled for Saturday, July 5.
According to McMinnville Police Department Capt. Mike Lane, there are three reminders for those who plan to attend the event at the Civic Center:
‘ Traffic will be directed counter-clockwise;
‘ Private fireworks are prohibited;
‘ Motorists should drive with care due to the numerous pedestrians expected around the Civic Center.
The city’s Fourth of July celebration activities will be held on a different day than the county’s smaller communities. With Fourth of July landing on a Friday, city activities will be held the following day to coincide with the county’s bicentennial celebration and so as not to conflict with other celebrations. Because of this, an extra large crowd is expected.
According to Lane, plans are in place to once again direct traffic counter-clockwise around the Civic Center beginning at 7 p.m. Traffic will be directed until after the 9 p.m. display.
Parking is available in the parking lots around the Civic Center, and parking along the side streets will once again be permitted. However, motorists must leave one lane open for emergency vehicles.
The safety of pedestrians is a concern and motorists are urged to drive with care around the Civic Center and the side streets. Heavy foot traffic is expected.
The use of private fireworks are prohibited around the Civic Center and on city property. Violators will be cited.