The City of Mount Vernon will commemorate Independence Day 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?
In order to secure the area for the fireworks presentation, the road through The Woods will be closed beginning at 2 p.m. The main park road in front of the Schnormeier Event Center (SEC) will also be closed at 2 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 p.m. (residential traffic only). The Lakes Area gate at South Madison Avenue will be closed at 10 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. The majority of 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 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 p.m. with openers McLennon, a Beatles tribute band, followed by Chazand Nicki, an acoustic duo act, at 6 p.m. Headliners Tom the Torpedoes, a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band, will take the stage at 7 p.m. The fireworks show will begin at about 10 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 p.m. and food vendors will be stationed across from the Urton ClockHouse 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.
For more information and more answers to FAQs, visit mountvernonohio.org/press-releases/.
