MOUNT VERNON, June 17, 2024 – The City of Mount Vernon will commemorate this nation’s independence from Great Britain on Thursday, July 4, culminating with a fireworks celebration shortly after dusk at Ariel-Foundation Park. Below is a list of frequently asked questions related to the annual event:

What time will the streets close?

• The road through The Woods will be closed beginning at 2:00 p.m. to secure the area for the fireworks presentation.

• The main park road in front of the Schnormeier Event Center (SEC) will also be closed at 2:00 p.m., allowing for pedestrian and accessible parking traffic only.

• Pittsburgh Avenue will be closed from the Clock House parking lot to Seventh Avenue starting at 2:00 p.m. (residential traffic only).

• The Lakes Area gate at South Madison Avenue will be closed at 10:00 p.m.

• Columbus Road will be closed to southbound traffic at 9:30 p.m. and will not reopen until the park clears after the fireworks.

Where can I park?

Volunteers will help park attendees upon arrival. Most parking will be available at The Lakes, entering from Madison Avenue; near the Clock House off of Pittsburgh Avenue; and in the parking area off of Harcourt Road. Please note that there will be no parking on the grass, but in designated areas only. Please visit www.arielfoundationpark.org for all street closures, one-way routes, and other limitations.

Will there be additional ADA parking available?

A limited number of handicapped spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the SEC lot.

Will the timed public parking spaces be enforced?

Vehicles parked in timed public parking spaces will not be ticketed on July 4.

Can I reserve a spot in the park?

The park will not be taking venue reservations for July 4. All outdoor pavilions around The Lakes will be first-come, first-served.

What time is the free concert?

The SEC will be closed for sound checks and other related activities during the day. The concert series will begin at 5:00 p.m. with openers McLennon, a Beatles tribute band, followed by Chaz and Nicki, an acoustic duo act, at 6:00 p.m. Headliners Tom the Torpedoes, a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band, will take the stage at 7:00 p.m. The fireworks show will begin about 10:00 p.m.

Where are the restrooms?

Portable restrooms will be available on the west side of the Schnormeier as well as on the north side of the SEC parking lot, just west of the Urton Clockhouse, and outside of the Kiwanis Pavilion on the lakeside.

Will there be food trucks available?

Food service will begin at 5:00 p.m., and food vendors will be stationed across from the Urton Clock House and directly in front of the SEC. Beer, wine and liquor will also be available within the SEC. Only alcohol purchased on-site is allowed in the SEC, and alcohol may not be taken outside the center’s fenced area. Smoking and pets are also prohibited inside the SEC.

Where are the trash receptacles?

Please do your part to keep the park clean by disposing of all trash and recyclables in the trash cans along the sidewalks in and around the park. There will be workers emptying trash barrels throughout the day. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Can I bring food/picnic in the park?

Yes.

Can I barbecue in the park?

Grills and other outdoor cooking equipment are prohibited in the park during the Independence Day celebration.

Can I bring alcohol to the event?

Alcohol is not permitted anywhere in the park or streets around the park. There will be a bar inside the SEC where you can purchase adult refreshments from 5:00-9:30 p.m. Alcohol may not be removed from the SEC fenced area.

Can I bring fireworks?

Personal fireworks, including firecrackers, smoke bombs, rockets, spinners, Roman candles, and other novelty fireworks, are not permitted on Ariel-Foundation Park property. Sparklers are permitted, but please be courteous to other guests and properly dispose of all trash.

Can I set up a canopy/umbrella?

Yes, except on the grassy area outside the SEC, within 15 feet of the wire fence, and absolutely not on the concrete area.

When can I sit on the pavement of any road in or around the park?

Even with street closures, sitting on the pavement of paved roads in or around Ariel-Foundation Park will not be allowed.

Can I bring my dog to the fireworks show?

Bringing dogs to the fireworks is not recommended, as the sound of the fireworks usually scares the dogs. If you do bring your dog, make sure it is kept on a leash at all times.

What measures will be taken for spectator safety during the fireworks?

Keep your seats; efforts will be made to turn off street lights just before the start of the show. To ensure the safety of all spectators, please be seated no later than 9:45 p.m. and remain seated until the show is over and the street lights have been turned back on. We expect a very energetic and exciting finale!

How do I exit the park in my car?

Immediately after the fireworks show traffic can go out Pittsburgh Avenue towards Columbus Road. Cones will be set to direct motorists either right (south) or left (north) on Columbus. Going west on Pittsburgh motorists will have to make either a left (south) or right (north) turn on Harcourt Road. Motorists exiting on North Madison Avenue will be required to turn left only, going into town. The Center Lake Loop road will be opened at 10:15 p.m. for westbound traffic only towards Harcourt Road. Exiting on Harcourt, motorists can turn left (south) or right (north). The Lakes Area gate at Madison will be closed at 10:00 p.m. Exit from the Lakes Area can only be made via the North Loop Path westward to Harcourt Road. Traffic markers will be out. All drivers exiting should stay to the right of these markers.