Carmi Police say traffic patterns have been established for this year’s fireworks display set for Saturday night (June 29th) around 9pm. The pattern is essentially the same as in year’s past. Residents and motorists can expect the set traffic patterns to go into effect. That includes closing southbound traffic on Oak to Fairground Road. Main at Fairgrounds Road will be open until just prior to the start of the fireworks display.
Again this year, all entrances to the fairgrounds will be blocked off and vehicles as well as pedestrians are prohibited from being on the fairgrounds during the display. Vehicles will still be allowed to park around the outside fencing of the fairgrounds as in prior years.
Once the display is over, all Fair Street traffic will be turned northbound toward Oak and at Oak Street, all traffic will be turned eastbound only. Traffic from Oak will not be allowed to turn south onto Fairgrounds Road during that time.
Traffic from April Avenue at Main will be allowed to turn east onto Main Street only.
Traffic on Main will not be allowed to enter Fairground Road during that time and 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 westbound flow of traffic on Main.
Traffic signals at Main and Fairgrounds will be set to flash red and all rules that apply to stop signs will be applicable.
Motorists are asked to watch for and obey all directions from Carmi Police, White County Sheriff’s Deputies, and local Carmi Fire personnel. This traffic routing system is in place to ensure the safest and quickest exiting of traffic from the event area.
Chief Jason Carter also reminds citizens that fireworks are dangerous and could cause serious injury or death. Most fireworks are illegal in Illinois. Carter says 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, but Carter reminds citizens they are illegal to possess and use in Illinois. Further, he says law enforcement will respond to complaints his department receives of fireworks. At the end of the day, he says he just wants citizens to understand they are illegal to possess and he doesn’t want people getting in trouble over them. If officers respond, individuals found in possession are subject to all fireworks being confiscated and a citation could be issued. Depending on the amount, it could potentially be classified as a Class A Misdemeanor.
If you’re celebrating with alcohol, Carter reminds you to be responsible and don’t drink and drive making sure a designated driver is present.
