CARMI, Ill. - Carmi Police Chief Jason Carter has announced how things are going to go for next Tuesday, July 4th, and the city's big fireworks event.
Carter said that traffic patterns have been established for this years's fireworks display, which is set for Tuesday at around 9 p.m. The pattern will essentially be the same as years past: At 8:45 p.m., the set traffic patterns will go into effect. That includes closing the southbound traffic on Oak Street to Fairground Road. Main at Fairgrounds Road will be open until just prior to the start of the fireworks before being closed.
ALL entrances to the Fairground will be blocked off this year, Carter stated. The Fair Board will not allow any vehicle or pedestrians to be inside the Fairground during the fireworks display. Any persons or vehicle located inside will be asked to leave by Carmi Police or Carmi Fire Personnel prior to the start of the fireworks. As long as extremely wet weather does not occur before the start of the fireworks, vehicles will still be allowed to park around the outside fencing as in years past.
Following the fireworks display, all traffic exiting onto Fairground Road will be turned north and south on Fairground Road. If congestion occurs at Main and Fairground Road, all exiting traffic will be turned north onto Fairground Road.
Fair Street traffic will be turned northbound toward Oak Street and at Oak Street all traffic will be turned eastbound only, Carter said. Traffic from Oak Street will not be allowed to turn south onto Fairground Road during this time.
Traffic from April Avenue at Main Street will be allowed to turn East onto Main Street only.
Traffic on Main Street will not be allowed to enter Fairground Road during this time. Southbound traffic from Fairground Road will be allowed to turn west on Main Street only.
Any vehicles parked in the grassy area along Main Street will be directed to join the westbound flow of traffic on Main Street.
The traffic signals at Main and Fairgrounds will be set to flash red and all rules that would apply to stop signs will be applicable.
Motorists are reminded to watch and obey all directions from Carmi Police Officers, White County Sheriff's Deputies, and local Carmi Fire EMA units. Although this may sound confusing, it's a pattern that has worked well for the past several years. This traffic routing system is in place to enable the safest and quickest exiting of traffic from the event area.
Carter said he also wanted to remind Carmi residents that fireworks are dangerous and could cause serious injury and death. Most fireworks are illegal in Illinois. Basically a good rule of thumb is if it's labeled as a firework and makes any type of loud noise or explodes, it's probably going to be illegal in Illinois. Most of these items are readily accessible in neighboring states. However, they are illegal to possess and use in Illinois. Carmi Police will respond to complaints of fireworks as they are received. Carter said he and his force just want citizens to understand they are illegal to possess and don't want people to get in trouble over fireworks. If officers respond, those subjects are subject to all fireworks being confiscated and a citation could be issued. Depending on the amount of fireworks an individual has, it could be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which could lead to an arrest.
As a reminder...if you are celebrating with alcohol involved, Carter said, you are reminded to be responsible and not drink and drive. Make sure there is a designated driver present. The department wants everyone to have an enjoyable and safe Fourth of July holiday.