(Posted June 24, 2020)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The city of London and the village of West Jefferson have worked out final details for their fireworks displays. Both involve measures to prevent mass gatherings and promote social distancing.
London
London’s fireworks are scheduled to go off at 10 p.m. July 3 at London High School. City leaders encourage residents to watch the fireworks from their homes with the people who live with them. For those who are unable to watch from home, parking will be available in the London City Schools parking lots starting at 9 p.m.
Everyone who parks in the school lots is required to stay with their vehicles throughout the event. Cars will be parked in every other parking spot. Traffic will enter from the high school and elementary school entrances off of Elm Street and exit back onto Elm Street after the event. Parking also will be available at the middle school, accessible by Keny Boulevard.
The only individuals who will be moving about the school grounds will be the production team, volunteers, and safety service personnel. The school restrooms will be closed. Social distancing signs will be posted.
Organizers recommend that visitors wear masks but do not require it. Anyone who does not feel well, has a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees, or has been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 symptoms is asked not to attend.
The school district will adjust its cleaning and disinfecting schedule to be sure high-touch areas are cleaned prior to and immediately after the event. Local law enforcement will be on site to assist with monitoring and enforcement.
The festival-style activities that took place prior to the fireworks display in the past will not take place this year. There will be no parade the day after.
“I am glad that we are able to have a patriotic celebration to honor our nation’s independence this year and have a fireworks display for our community,” said London Mayor Patrick Closser.
“City council, the school district, the city of London, and Madison County Public Health all came together to make this happen. We wanted to make sure that we do all we can to keep everyone safe while trying to bring some normalcy back to the summer. This will be one of the best fireworks displays we have ever had, and we hope that the community enjoys it.”
West Jefferson
West Jefferson’s fireworks will go off at 10 p.m. July 4 from Converse Park. Organizers and village leaders are asking that residents watch the display from their homes. They chose Converse Park for its central location, so the display will be viewable from most of the village’s housing areas.
“The fireworks are intended for residents of West Jefferson to enjoy,” said Mayor Ray Martin.
To discourage mass gatherings and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the village is closing all of its parks, including Converse Park. Converse Road will close at 6 p.m., and U.S. Route 40 will be closed from 9:45 to 10:30 p.m. All of the village’s police officers will be on duty, along with a Madison County Sheriff’s deputy.
“Anyone congregating will be asked to stop,” Martin said.
As has been tradition, the July 4th Streetfest Committee is covering the cost of the fireworks. The non-profit group has been working with county, village and township leaders to organize this year’s display. The group’s usual three-day festival leading up to the fireworks will not take place.
To help defray the cost of the fireworks, send donations to “West Jefferson July 4th Streetfest Inc.,” 880 Crescent Dr., West Jefferson OH 43162.
