Preparation for the event began last summer, said Penny Dunbar, a recreation specialist with National Trail Parks & Recreation District, which coordinates the event. The celebration requires working with the fireworks provider and the fairgrounds. NTPRD also coordinates with the Clark County Sheriff’s Department which assists with traffic control and patrol the grounds.
The Old Fashioned Fireworks cost about $25,000 each year and are paid for through donations from area businesses and community members, according to Dunbar.
About 10,000 people are anticipated to view the fireworks from inside the fairgrounds, while another 5,000 watch from outside, according to NTPRD.
The gates to the fairgrounds, 4401 South Charleston Pike, will open at 6 p.m. with live music beginning at 7 p.m. at the grandstands. The fireworks will begin at dark (approximately 10 p.m.) and is expected to last for 25 minutes.
Dunbar suggests families view the fireworks show from inside the grandstands instead of from along the road so they don’t miss any of parts of the display that might be lower.
Families are welcome to bring chairs and blankets. Attendees are asked to enter the fairgrounds through Gate 1. Laybourne Road will be closed.
The rain date for the event will be July 6.
Other fireworks in Clark and Champaign counties include:
Enon: George Rogers Clark Memorial VFW, 5705 Enon-Xenia Pike beginning around dusk July 3.
Urbana: Grimes Field, 1636 N. Main St. in Urbana beginning around dusk (approximately 10 p.m. July 4.
HOW TO GO
What: 23rd Annual Old Fashioned Fireworks
When: 10 p.m. Monday, July 3
Where: Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 South Charleston Pike
Cost: Free
More Information: Gates open at 6 p.m. Live music will begin at 7 p.m.
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