July 3, 2024
By Rachel Scofield
Victory Park and Park Alley will be closed for tonight’s City of Pickerington fireworks display, which will begin this year at 9:30 pm instead of 10:00 pm. A fence has already been erected around both Victory Park and the Pickerington Schools field adjacent to it.
Both the fireworks and the parade the next morning will be rain or shine. At the time of this publication, the forecast called cloudy conditions with possible thunderstorms.
On its official Facebook page, the city stated, “It’s time to celebrate freedom and the independence of the United States! As always, the City of Pickerington will be holding its annual celebration, and we want to make sure this year’s events are both safe and enjoyable.”
Increasingly over the past few years, families attending the fireworks at Victory Park have reported not feeling safe. Last year, a fight broke out in Park Alley and a rumor spread that there was a gunman in the crowd causing some to panic.
Per the city’s statement, “The fireworks viewing is meant to be a family event. Disorderly behavior will not be tolerated and will be strictly enforced.”
There will be a very large officer presence at Central High School and the surrounding areas. Bike patrol, mobile cruiser officers, and the drone unit will be constantly checking the areas as well.
“If you see any suspicious or disorderly behavior, please report it to an officer immediately. Parents, please know where and what your children are doing. The goal is to have and safe and enjoyable fireworks display.”
Viewing from Pickerington High School Central
The city has provided a map to show viewing/parking areas at Pickerington High School Central. You can enter from either Hill Road or Lockville Road. However, Opportunity Way will be closed around the softball fields so you can’t drive all the way through.
The city has set up portable bathrooms at the high school.
Also, for those coming from Lockville Road, you will only be able to park on the stadium side of the street.
Viewing from Combustion Brewery & Taproom
The folks at Combustion Brewery & Taproom once again invites families to view the fireworks from their patio.
Per the Taproom’s Facebook, “Our Patio, Beer Garden & Green provide an awesome view of the fireworks! Grab your lawn chairs & blankets and get a spot early!”
The event will feature the release of “Gimme Seltzer” (4.5% ABV) with cherry, lime and blue raspberry. Schmidt’s Sausage Truck will be dishing out brats and cream puffs from 4 to 10 pm and the Explorer’s Club Food Truck will offer Latin American and Vegetarian cuisine from 4 to 9 pm.
Personal Fireworks Illegal in Pickerington
Per the city’s Facebook, “Like many other cities in the Columbus metro region, the City of Pickerington maintains an ordinance (Pickerington Codified Ordinance section 678.10) which prohibits the use of Class A fireworks. Only sparklers, smoke bombs, and snaps are legal.”
Parade Information from the City of Pickerington:
The Pickerington 4th of July Parade is scheduled to begin on Thursday at 10 a.m. The parade will start at Pickerington Central High School (300 Opportunity Way). It will proceed to turn north (left) on to Lockville Road where it will turn west (left) on to East Columbus Street. From there the parade will continue towards Hill Road. Once the parade gets to the intersection of West Columbus Street & Hill Road, it will turn south (left) on to Hill Road South and then end in the parking lot of Ridgeview Junior High School (located at 130 Hill Road South).
Please note that the parade route will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m. As a result, there will be no parking allowed along the parade route, at the city building, Victory Park or on Covered Bridge Lane in Sycamore Park.
