Anna Faltermeier/The Smithville HeraldNathaniel Vossman of Overland Park, Kan., walks with his dog Gracie down the aisle of a fireworks stand June 25 off U.S. Highway 169 in Smithville. Nathaniel and his mom picked up some fireworks in Smithville on their way home from a trip. Several fireworks stands set up shop in Smithville this time of year.
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AMERICA’S BIRTHDAY
By Ashley Vasquez
When America’s birthday arrives this Friday, Smithville residents are warned to follow the city’s laws on fireworks and to be careful when enjoying the Fourth of July.
According to Smithville Police Chief Ken Wilson, no bottle rockets are allowed to be sold or discharged within the city limits. Additionally, residents should remember that fireworks may be discharged only on Friday, July 4, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
“People cannot shoot off fireworks any other time,” Wilson said. “We will be enforcing that law and may issue citations if people don’t follow the rules. We will be out there throughout the day on July 4 and before and after to keep everyone safe.”
Wilson said residents should do their best to be careful while celebrating the holiday because one injury could spell disaster for a event.
“Even just one child being burned by a punk can ruin the entire day,” he said. “Children really need to be supervised and people should remember that fireworks and alcohol never mix. It is just a bad idea.”
Wilson said people should remember to clean up fireworks trash in their yards, on roofs and on city streets. No fireworks may be shot from municipal or school district property, including the parking lot at Smithville High School.
“For the most part, people do a really good job here cleaning up after themselves in the streets,” Wilson said. “But, you have to remember to clean up your yard and your roof to make sure there is no fire hazard.”
If setting off your own fireworks isn’t your favorite activity, the fireworks show at Smithville Lake is expected to be spectacular. People may watch a fireworks show on July 4, at Smith’s Fork Park in Smithville or about anywhere near Smithville Lake at dusk. The city and Clay County have jointly funded a $10,000 fireworks show at the park this year, which is open and free to the public.
Charlie Barr, director of Clay County parks, said he expected to see high numbers of visitors during the Fourth of July weekend.
“On a busy weekend like this, we could see 5,000 to 6,000 campers at the lake,” he said. “We basically double the size of Smithville in one weekend.”
Barr said higher than normal gas prices may contribute to an overall increase in traffic at Smithville Lake.
“We should see more people than normal but what we are seeing overall is a change in who is coming,” he said. “In years past, many people at Smithville Lake came because they couldn’t afford to go to the Lake of the Ozarks. Now, we are seeing people that can’t afford to come to Smithville Lake staying home and people that normally go to Lake of the Ozarks, now coming here.”
Barr stressed that to reduce incidents at the lake, people should remember that fireworks are not allowed within the parks, keep their lifejackets on or always nearby and that if they are given directions by a park ranger to follow those directions.
“People just need to not overdose on fun,” he said. “That can be a temptation, and we don’t like having to ask people to leave. Have fun within reason and follow the rules and you will have a great weekend at the lake.”
CITY OF SMITHVILLE FIREWORKS ORDINANCES
- Fireworks can be sold by Smithville vendors from June 20 through July 4 until 10 p.m.
- Fireworks can only be discharged within the city limits from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.
- No bottle rockets can be sold or discharged within city limits.
Smithville Editor Ashley Vasquez can be reached at 532-4444 or ashleyvasquez@npgco.com.
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According to Smithville Police Chief Ken Wilson, no bottle rockets are allowed to be sold or discharged within the city limits. Additionally, residents should remember that fireworks may be discharged only on Friday, July 4, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
“People cannot shoot off fireworks any other time,” Wilson said. “We will be enforcing that law and may issue citations if people don’t follow the rules. We will be out there throughout the day on July 4 and before and after to keep everyone safe.”
Wilson said residents should do their best to be careful while celebrating the holiday because one injury could spell disaster for a event.
“Even just one child being burned by a punk can ruin the entire day,” he said. “Children really need to be supervised and people should remember that fireworks and alcohol never mix. It is just a bad idea.”
Wilson said people should remember to clean up fireworks trash in their yards, on roofs and on city streets. No fireworks may be shot from municipal or school district property, including the parking lot at Smithville High School.
“For the most part, people do a really good job here cleaning up after themselves in the streets,” Wilson said. “But, you have to remember to clean up your yard and your roof to make sure there is no fire hazard.”
If setting off your own fireworks isn’t your favorite activity, the fireworks show at Smithville Lake is expected to be spectacular. People may watch a fireworks show on July 4, at Smith’s Fork Park in Smithville or about anywhere near Smithville Lake at dusk. The city and Clay County have jointly funded a $10,000 fireworks show at the park this year, which is open and free to the public.
Charlie Barr, director of Clay County parks, said he expected to see high numbers of visitors during the Fourth of July weekend.
“On a busy weekend like this, we could see 5,000 to 6,000 campers at the lake,” he said. “We basically double the size of Smithville in one weekend.”
Barr said higher than normal gas prices may contribute to an overall increase in traffic at Smithville Lake.
“We should see more people than normal but what we are seeing overall is a change in who is coming,” he said. “In years past, many people at Smithville Lake came because they couldn’t afford to go to the Lake of the Ozarks. Now, we are seeing people that can’t afford to come to Smithville Lake staying home and people that normally go to Lake of the Ozarks, now coming here.”
Barr stressed that to reduce incidents at the lake, people should remember that fireworks are not allowed within the parks, keep their lifejackets on or always nearby and that if they are given directions by a park ranger to follow those directions.
“People just need to not overdose on fun,” he said. “That can be a temptation, and we don’t like having to ask people to leave. Have fun within reason and follow the rules and you will have a great weekend at the lake.”
CITY OF SMITHVILLE FIREWORKS ORDINANCES
- Fireworks can be sold by Smithville vendors from June 20 through July 4 until 10 p.m.
- Fireworks can only be discharged within the city limits from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.
- No bottle rockets can be sold or discharged within city limits.
Smithville Editor Ashley Vasquez can be reached at 532-4444 or ashleyvasquez@npgco.com.