As fireworks vendors get ready to open their doors for the short business season Tuesday, Emporia State University is getting ready to open up its campus to the area for the annual fireworks show a week from Tuesday.
Facilities Director Bill McKernan says much of the setup will remain the same, meaning the show will originate from the intramural fields north of Interstate 35. Also, no alcohol or fireworks will be allowed in the special tailgating areas and no chairs, food or drink will be allowed on the Welch Stadium turf or Zola Witten track. Ongoing construction on Highland Street will mean some changes to the traffic flow.
Handicapped-accessible parking lots will remain near the Art Annex, but traffic flow will go north on Highland instead of south to avoid the construction zone.
Welch Stadium and tailgating areas will open at 7 pm. The display should begin between 9:45-10 pm and last up to 30 minutes.
Residents can see the traffic maps online at emporia.link/fireworks.
Meanwhile, the official sales and discharge window opens at 10 am Tuesday. Hours will be 10 am to 10 pm through June 2, with hours 10 am to 11 pm July 3-4 before returning to 10 am to 10 pm July 5. Only Class C fireworks are allowed, meaning bottle rockets, lanterns and metal sparklers are not permitted. Also, discharging of fireworks on a city street, in a park or within 250 feet of a hospital or medical facility is prohibited.
Besides the Emporia fireworks show, a lot of displays are coming this weekend. Celebrations that have been announced include:
*Burlington: July 4, Kelley Park
*Chase County: July 3, Cottonwood Falls Swope Park
*Lebo: Saturday, West Park
*Neosho Rapids: Sunday, Neosho Rapids City Park
*Reading: Saturday, Reading City Park
