The threat of thunderstorms on Sunday is still very real, which would cancel the Orange Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza.
If the weather cooperates and the event goes on, all anyone has to do is show up, find a space, smooth out a large blanket, set up a few chairs, and get ready to relax. It’s all mindless fun for concertgoers and fireworks enthusiasts, but one thing you don’t think about is the prep work and how hard several town departments work to prep the site to make it safe and comfortable for everyone that shows up.
For several months Rocky Salperto worked tirelessly to find the perfect band, booking them for the event, and finding sponsors to help pay for the exorbitant cost of a truly thrilling fireworks display and the band’s expenses.
The Highway Department, Parks and Rec, Police Department, Fire Marshal’s Office and Volunteer Fire Department all have important roles in making sure everything is perfect.
Early on Thursday morning, before the heat and humidity became to oppressive, my dog and I took our mile-long walk around the Community Center and Fairgrounds. The free-standing trailer that serves as a stage for the band already was in place in front of the Gazebo. Dozens of port-o-pottys, and trash and recycling bins were strategically placed throughout the grounds.
About a half dozen Parks and Rec workers were mowing the grass and cleaning up the entire area.
Prior to this, the Highway Department made sure that the fireworks pit behind the giant berm was cleaned out. The men also roped off a 400-foot perimeter around the area with fencing and rope, caution signs will follow closer to the event date.
Light towers are erected and aimed where they will be needed.
Soon, a giant painted “X” would mark the spot in the middle of the upper fairgrounds. Some may ask, “Why do they do that?” The cross walk, according to Highway Department Crew Chief Donny Foyer, is a “road” on which medical and safety personnel can travel through the crowd in the event of an emergency situation.
The Orange Police have done a traffic assessment and instructed the Highway Department where to place barricades and signs along the surrounding roads.
The Fire Department has the exhausing job of being on a non-stop standby at the fire pit from the second the fireworks arrive until the last blast goes off.
Fire Marshal’s office personnel has to check the pit to make sure everything is safe and hang signs to keep people out of it and the surrounding area, Yes, kids, even the woods behind the lower pavilion.
Everyone’s safety is paramount, so please follow the signs when exiting the fairgrounds, you won’t be the only one anxious to get home, but remember, there will be children running around and adults chatting to one another and not paying attention to your oncoming car.
After fireworks are done the pit needs a once over and has to be secured. The following day, the Highway Department, Parks and Rec, etc will be hard at work again, cleaning up after the thousands of visitors.
Be like a boy or girl scout and leave the area as it was or cleaner than it was when you arrived.