Traffic redirected for fireworks: Annual event always draws a crowd
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According to McMinnville Police Chief Joe Melton, vehicles will be directed counter-clockwise on the streets directly adjacent to the Civic Center complex beginning at 7 p.m. Friday. The traffic pattern will continue until traffic has left the area following the 9 p.m. show.
The traffic routing is the same as recent fireworks show, Melton said, and is conducted to ensure an emergency lane is available in case someone needs medical assistance at the fireworks site or within the crowd.
Parking is available in the parking lots around the Civic Center and some parking along the side of the streets is allowed once the show begins – provided there is room for emergency vehicles to get through. Police generally seal off the streets around the fireworks show once the show begins because moving cars could be hazardous given the distraction of the show.
Melton is urging motorists going to the show to drive with care due to the numerous pedestrians they will encounter near the Civic Center. Caution is urged on the back streets approaching the area since many people either park on those streets and walk to the show or are walking from nearby residences.
All private fireworks are prohibited and violators may be cited.
“There’s so many people grouped in there that there’s a chance someone could get hurt by fireworks being shot by private individuals,” Melton said. “We’re asking folks to leave their fireworks at home and come there and enjoy the show.”
Fourth of July
Schedule of events
DOWNTOWN McMINNVILLE
7 to 10 a.m. Breakfast on the square
7:30 a.m. Stars and Stripes Fun Run/Walk
8 to 11 a.m. Children’s corner, Park Theater open house, Magness Library book sale,
Confederate camp
9 a.m. Patriotic salute
9:15 a.m. Silver and Gold Band
10 a.m. Pioneerette performance
10:30 a.m. Yankee Doodle children’s parade
10:50 a.m. Warren County High School color guard
11 a.m. Fourth of July window decorating contest
and scavenger hunt
9 p.m. Fireworks at McMinnville Civic Center
FAIRVIEW
9 a.m. Flag raising ceremony, concessions open
9 a.m. Second annual pie-baking contest
Pies must be in by 10 a.m.
9:15 a.m. Games on the softball field
11 a.m. Recognition of ball leagues
Winner of pie contest announced
1 p.m. Baby and beauty show (1 day to 12 years)
Directly following the baby show is the
Senior Mr. and Ms. Fairview (for 50 and older)
5 p.m. Annual awards
5:30 p.m. Fairview Jammers 10th anniversary show
` Immediately following the Fairview Jammers
will be fireworks
MORRISON
4 p.m. Baby show (0-36 months)
5 p.m Bingo, games, ice cream machine,
BBQ, hot dogs
6 p.m. Cakewalk
7 p.m. Flag raising by American Legion,
special recognition of deserving citizen,
entertainment by Boyd Rigsby Group
9 p.m. Fireworks
MIDWAY
9 to 10 a.m. Pie, quilt and flower entries accepted
10 a.m. Opening ceremonies, Pledge of Allegiance, guest speaker Bart Stanley
10:30 a.m. Baby show, pet show, horseshoes begins
Noon Entertainment on stage, games for children on the ball field
7 p.m. Citizenship Award, Fireman of the Year
Humanitarian Award, other awards
10 p.m. Fireworks
CENTERTOWN
1 p.m. Flag ceremony, concession stand opens
1:15 p.m. Dunking booth (dunk the coaches)
Bingo, volleyball, tattoo booth
3 p.m. Kids games
4 p.m. Adult games, horseshoe tournament
5 p.m. Cake walk, silent auction, karaoke
6:30 p.m. Old-timers ball game
8 p.m. Greased pig contest (winner keeps pig!)
9 p.m. Fireworks