ROGERS -- The annual city-sponsored Fourth of July fireworks display will be at Rogers High School, 2300 S. Dixieland Road, rather than Veterans Park, city officials said.
The celebration is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday. The city hosts the event the day before the Fourth of July so families can be together on the holiday, officials said.
At A Glance
Changes To Show
The change in location of the Fourth of July fireworks show has prompted changes for the audience:
Changes include:
• Lawn chairs will not be allowed inside Whitey Smith Stadium.
• Smoking is not allowed in the stadium.
• No coolers will be allowed in the stadium.
• No fireworks will be allowed in the stadium.
• There will be no access to the playing field.
• No parking is allowed on the practice field north of the tennis courts.
• Handicap parking will be located in the southwest corner of the school parking lot, east of the stadium.
Source: Staff Report
The move to Whitey Smith Stadium is because of infrastructure work at Veterans Park.
"The city is improving the roads in Veterans Park, and building a roundabout and veteran's memorial," said Barney Hayes, parks director. "There just isn't any way we could hold the fireworks show at the park this year."
"We are happy to partner with the city to have the event at Rogers High School. With all of the parking and other amenities, we think it will be an excellent venue, and we hope the community will enjoy having it there," said Janie Darr, Rogers School District superintendent.
Rumors that the fireworks display will move permanently to Rogers High School are unfounded.
"We haven't asked, and the School District hasn't offered, to allow us to use school property for the fireworks show on a long-term basis," said Greg Hines, mayor.
Darr said there has been no conversation about using school property for future Fourth of July celebrations.
There are several advantages to the move, including seating in the stadium, restroom facilities and concession stands, Hayes said.
"Our regular vendors will be set up on one end of the stadium, and there will be more parking at the school than the park," Hayes said.
Free watermelon slices will again be offered, city officials said.
Regions Bank is buying 90 watermelons to be served prior to the fireworks show, Hines said.
"We are happy to have the opportunity to serve the community. We want to be involved in the community," said Jaclyn Henderson, commercial portfolio manager at Regions Bank.
The mortar tubes for the aerial display will be located on the cricket field, Hayes said. The cricket field is about 200 yards south of the stadium. There will be no access to the field.
"The shots should be high enough that any seat in the stadium will provide a good view," he said.
There are about 1,800 paved parking spaces at the high school, and two overflow lots will be available as well, according to city officials.
"When we had fireworks at the park, there was only one way out. The wait to get out of the park would sometimes take more than an hour. It should be much easier at the school with at least three entrances and exits," Hayes said.
Police officers will be at the school to direct traffic after the show, said Keith Foster, Police Department public information officer.
"Our officers came up with an exit plan that should keep traffic flowing a lot better than it does at Veterans Park," Foster said.
Those leaving from the main school parking lot will be able to make left or right turns on to Dixieland Road. Only left turns will be allowed on to Dixieland Road from the lot in front of the school.
Overflow parking lot 1, on the northwest corner on school property off Perry Road, will open only after the two main lots are full, Foster said.
"If overflow parking lot 1 fills up, we will open overflow parking lot 2 that can be accessed by heading south on South 24th Street. Parking will be west of the tennis court," Foster said
Vehicles from overflow lot 1 will be allowed left turns only onto Perry Road after the fireworks. Those leaving from overflow lot 2 also will only be allowed left turns on to Perry Road, Foster said.
Firefighters will be on duty at the site, said Bryan Hinds, deputy fire chief.
"We reviewed the area and decided where to locate the fireworks shooting area. Because of the wet weather, we don't have any concerns about the fireworks igniting any grass fires. There aren't many buildings, other than the school, close to the area. We think it should be a safe and fun show," Hinds said.
NW News on 07/01/2014