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Big crowd anticipated for July 4 fireworks
(by Sue Reid - June 30, 2010)
Big crowd anticipated for July 4 fireworks
By SUE REID
The City of Solon will hold its annual fireworks display July 4 at Solon Community Park on SOM Center Road (Route 91). The event begins at dusk, approximately 9:45 p.m.
The display is expected to draw a larger crowd this year than in past years, Solon Recreation Director Donald W. Holub said last week. "We expect it to be a little bit larger of a crowd, because so many communities have given up fireworks because of the economy."
The display, which will be set off near the varsity baseball field at the park and last about 30 minutes, will be put on by Pyrotecnico, of Pittsburgh. Mr. Holub said this is the first year the city is using the company, which has done displays for professional sports teams, including the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians.
Also during the evening, there will be music by disc jockey Robert Shimits, a Solon firefighter and resident. He will play from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The community park's concession stand will be open, and hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza will be sold.
The display is coordinated through the Solon Fire Department, which will be on site all day, Mr. Holub said.
Assistant Police Chief Raymond J. Tittl said police officers will be on hand throughout the event. He said people should arrive early to make sure they get a good parking spot.
"There will be a lot of cars," he said. "The later people come, the farther away from the community park they will have to park."
Mr. Tittl also said people are asked to be patient and courteous once the event is over and they are heading home.
"It historically takes an hour to clear everyone out," Mr. Tittl said. "We do have police officers at all of the intersections directing traffic but due to the large volume, no matter what plan we have in place, we have found it's an hour."
The main thing people need to realize, Mr. Tittl said, is that when they get to SOM Center Road, they will be forced to turn right. Those living south of the community park want to park in lots west of SOM Center Road, in places such as Solon High School, Roxbury Elementary School or on the streets, as long as they are not on the hydrant side. Those north of the community park will want to park on the east side of SOM Center Road, such as at the community park, the dual schools and the community center.
Mr. Tittl said people must park in legal parking spots.
"If people just pull up on tree lawns or grassy areas, they will get cited and possibly towed," he said. "There is plenty of parking, and if people arrive early and have patience as far as leaving, "they should have a wonderful evening."
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