6/30/2008
No parking permitted along U.S. 20 for Melaleuca fireworks on July 4
RIGBY - With more than 100,000 people expected to attend the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration on July 4 in Idaho Falls, officials will prohibit parking on the grassy areas along U.S. 20 from Science Center Drive to Saturn Street before, during and after the fireworks, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced.
Parking also will be prohibited on Riverside Drive, Latah Avenue (south of U.S. 20) and Vissing Street as well as along most interstate exits and entrances. Vehicles parked on the pavement or grass will be removed at the owner's expense.
Idaho Falls law enforcement officials will close River Parkway from the Driftwood Motel to the boat docks to all motor vehicle traffic Tuesday (July 1) from 7 a.m. to noon and all day and night from Wednesday (July 2) to Sunday (July 6). Officials also will close Riverside drive at E Street and Memorial to the U.S. 20 on‑ramp, including Vissing Circle, to all motor vehicle traffic Friday from 7 p.m. until the conclusion of the fireworks display. The boat docks will be closed to vehicle traffic from Wednesday through Sunday (July 2‑6).
Parking will be allowed Friday (July 4) along W. Anderson Street, Jefferson Avenue and part of Fremont Avenue and in other designated areas.
ITD encourages spectators to place their lawn chairs and blankets on the grassy areas but not to park their vehicles there. Parking restrictions will be posted, and police will be on hand to monitor traffic. After the fireworks show, Idaho State Police and ITD crews will block exits from U.S. 20 onto Lindsay Boulevard and Science Center Drive southbound to reduce traffic congestion. Motorists who want to travel east on U.S. 20 will be directed to the Lewisville Highway before being allowed to turn back into the residential areas of Idaho Falls.
These measures are designed to protect motorists and pedestrians and to enable the holiday festivities to proceed in a safe, orderly manner.
Law enforcement personnel might modify the plan and take corrective action if safety issues arise. Law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho also will be out in force to find and arrest impaired drivers through the Fourth of July weekend.
The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, sponsored by Melaleuca Inc. of Idaho Falls is in its 16th year, honoring the spirit and memory of more than one million servicemen and women who made the supreme sacrifice to secure our nation's freedom.
The celebration takes place on the Greenbelt in downtown Idaho Falls and consists of a family‑style buffet along the banks of the Snake River, a performance by members of the Idaho Falls Symphony Orchestra, special observances and addresses by elected officials, all culminating in a free fireworks display, considered one of the largest west of the Mississippi.