Everything you need to know about this year’s Independence Day fireworks
MOUNT VERNON, June 16, 2022 – The City of Mount Vernon will commemorate this nation’s independence from Great Britain with a fireworks celebration shortly after dusk on Monday, July 4, at Ariel-Foundation Park. Below is a list of frequently asked questions related to the annual event:
What time will the streets close?
Streets will be closing at 4:00 p.m. at the following locations:
• Norton Street
• Woods Parkway westbound heading towards Harcourt Road
• Pittsburgh Avenue between the park and 7th Avenue both ways
Park entrances will be open to the public at Madison Street, Pittsburgh Avenue and Harcourt Road. Columbus Road will be closed to southbound traffic at 9:30 p.m. and will not reopen until the park clears.
Where can I park?
There is very limited first come-first served parking inside Ariel-Foundation Park. Parking is free and can be found at a multitude of public lots downtown off Gay Street and at the high school. When lots are full they will be closed. You can walk or take Knox Area Transit (KAT) at your convenience. Contact KAT for updated routing information at 740-392-7433, via email at KAT@co.knox.oh.us, or visit co.knox.oh.us/knox-area-transit. Depending on weather conditions, there may be back-in parking on the grass along the roadway coming off Harcourt Road.
Will there be additional ADA parking available?
Limited ADA parking will be available inside the park. The Urton Clockhouse parking lot off Pittsburgh Avenue by the Columbus Road entrance will be filled first. ADA parking will be on a first come-first served basis at this limited-space lot. Once this parking lot is full, drivers will be directed to the Schnormeier Event Center (SEC) parking area, where 20 ADA spots will be set aside on a first come-first served basis. When this lot is full motorists will be directed to the lake area for further parking options.
Will the timed public parking spaces be enforced?
Vehicles parked in timed public parking spaces will not be ticketed on July 4.
Can I reserve a spot in the park?
The Park National Pavilion can be reserved for up to 50 guests for $100 on a first come-first served basis no later than June 27. Call 740-501-9293 to reserve.
What time is the free concert?
The SEC will be closed for sound checks and other related activities during the day. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. to allow people to enter and find seating with their own chairs. The concert series will begin at 6:30 p.m. featuring Faithfully, an Eagles/Journey tribute band. The fireworks show will begin about 10:00 p.m.
Where are the restrooms?
Portable restrooms will be available on the west side of the SEC as well as on the north side of the SEC parking lot, just west of the Urton Clockhouse, and outside of the Kiwanis Pavilion on the lakeside as well as the public restrooms in the pavilion.
Will there be food trucks available?
A vast array of food trucks will be available on the east side of the SEC in the parking lot as well as in the lakes area near the Kiwanis Pavilion and in the west area of the Urton Clockhouse. Food trucks will be open at 5:00 p.m.
Where are the trash receptacles?
Please do your part to keep the park clean by disposing of all trash and recyclables in the trash cans along the sidewalks in and around the park. There will be workers emptying trash barrels throughout the day. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Can I bring food/picnic in the park?
Yes.
Can I barbecue in the park?
Bring your own barbecue, but not under any roof in the park. This will be strictly enforced by the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Can I bring alcohol to the event?
Alcohol is not permitted anywhere in the park or streets around the park. There will be a bar set up inside the SEC where you can purchase adult refreshments from 5:00-9:30 p.m.
Can I bring fireworks?
Fireworks are prohibited in all City parks per municipal code section 8.24.035.
Can I set up a canopy/umbrella?
Canopies and umbrellas are permitted. However, be sensitive to others’ view of the concert and fireworks.
When can I sit on the pavement of any road in or around the park?
Even with street closures no sitting on the pavement of paved roads in or around Ariel-Foundation Park will be allowed.
Can I bring my dog to the fireworks show?
Bringing dogs to the fireworks is not recommended, as the sound of the fireworks usually scares the dogs. If you do bring your dog, make sure it is kept on a leash at all times.
What measures will be taken for spectator safety during the fireworks?
Keep your seats; efforts will be made to turn off street lights just before the start of the show. To ensure the safety of all spectators, please be seated no later than 9:45 p.m. and remain seated until the show is over and the street lights have been turned back on. We expect a very energetic and exciting finale!
How do I exit the park in my car?
Immediately after the fireworks show traffic can go out Pittsburgh Avenue towards Columbus Road. Cones will be set to direct motorists either right (south) or left (north) on Columbus. Going west on Pittsburgh motorists will have to make either a left (south) or right (north) turn on Harcourt Road. Motorists exiting on North Madison Avenue will be required to turn left only, going into town. The Center Lake Loop road will be opened at 10:15 p.m. for westbound traffic only towards Harcourt Road. Exiting on Harcourt, motorists can turn left (south) or right (north).