The Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District is hosting the annual Fireworks on the Ohio event.
Laura Gobert with Downtown Evansville said they’re monitoring the weather. According to meteorologists, any storms should miss the area during the show timeframe.
In the past, 30,000 guests have attended the Fireworks on the Ohio River. Gobert said this is the largest fireworks show in the region, which includes counties Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick.
“We'll have 25 food trucks there and some free activities for kids, including face painting,” Gobert said. “And for this year, we'll have a patriotic balloon arch at Riverside and Main, as well as a special performance from the Boom Squad at 6:30.”
Fireworks start at dusk, or about 9:15 p.m., and will last 17 minutes.
Regarding the possible storms, Gobert said lightning in the distance is OK, but lightning nearby could delay the show.
“In our time hosting the event, the show has not been delayed or cancelled,” she said.
Free parking is available in the City of Evansville parking garages located at 3rd and Locust and 500 Sycamore Street, and the Back 40 parking lot behind the Civic Center. Street parking is also available and posted parking limits are not enforced on holidays.
The Evansville Police Department has safety and convenience tips for those planning to go. They’re minding visitors that heavy traffic is expected in and out of the area.
Several activities and items aren’t allowed. For example, personal firecrackers or fireworks aren’t allowed at the riverfront event. Nor are bikes, scooters, skateboards and the like. No pets are allowed except service animals.
“We do ask that you follow the safety procedures that we received from the Evansville Police Department,” Gobert said. “We've worked closely with them, American Medical Response and the Evansville Fire Department to ensure that we can put this event on safely for everyone.”
While it’s going to be hot out, other tips include leaving squirt guns and water balloons at home. Swimming in the river is prohibited.
It’s also illegal to pilot drones — despite how cool the photos and videos would be.
She urges attendees to follow safety tips from the police.
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Regarding fireworks at home, the Evansville Police Department is reminding residents to be safe and courteous with personal firecrackers and fireworks this July the fourth season.
Evansville Residents still have several days to make some noise with their fireworks for the July 4 Holiday.
According to the EPD, they’re allowed through July 9, from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The exception is July 4, when fireworks are allowed from 10 in the morning to Midnight.
Of course these aren’t technically allowed on public streets, parks or all other public places. They’re not allowed where discharged fireworks might fall onto the property of others.