With Frankfort’s annual Fourth of July celebration planned in TPA Park, various roadways through the park will be closed to traffic to enhance park visitors’ safety, including North Park Drive (at the light post) closing at 7 p.m. next Wednesday night. Visitors are encouraged to use Green Street to Burlington Avenue; Kyger Street will be open this year.The road between the tennis courts and North Park Drive will be closed all day. The road by shelter #1, the petting zoo and the large restrooms up to the concession stand also will be closed all day. Finally, the road by the bandstand/gazebo and the concession stand will be closed all day to allow for safer foot traffic throughout the park.
Multiple City departments – Fire, Police, Streets and Parks – along with representatives from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office will utilize their Emergency Action Plan during the holiday to help ensure a smooth and safe celebration for all.
According to Fire Chief John Kirby, public safety always is City officials’ number one priority.
“Our focus always is the safety of our residents and the many visitors expected in Frankfort for the holiday and the celebration in TPA Park. The Fire Department’s grass truck will be at ground zero where the fireworks will be set off Wednesday evening around 10:15 p.m.
“We also will have two firefighters patrolling the park grounds from noon to 11 p.m. Residents and guests are reminded individuals are not allowed to light fireworks in TPA Park or consume alcohol. Since the Park is public property, if firefighters or police officers see anyone with fireworks or alcohol, the items can be confiscated. We also are asking everyone to obey all traffic signs,” Kirby said.
According to Parks Superintendent Travis Sheets, vendor booths will be open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and a car show will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
“We also will have great live music at the bandstand throughout the afternoon and evening with Christian Life Church from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Hunter Wainscott will perform from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. and we will cap off the evening leading up to the fireworks finale with country music from Seth Cook from 6-8 p.m.
“The TPA Park pool will be open regular hours from 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. with admission $3/person and kids two and under free, so there are plenty of fun activities for everyone of all ages in the park to celebrate the Fourth of July,” Sheets said.
WILO will be in TPA Park beginning at 6:00 p.m. with the fireworks that night synchronized to WILO’s music beginning at 10:15 – 10:20 p.m.
“We want to thank the Frankfort Jaycees again this year for their hard work and caring dedication in providing outstanding fireworks that cap off our entire celebration. The Jaycees do a wonderful job in providing a safe and enjoyable show for our park visitors and we are pleased to partner with them,” Sheets said.