6/29/2007
No parking along U.S. 20 for Melaleuca fireworks on July 4
RIGBY - With 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 (see nearby map). Vehicles parked on the pavement or grass will be towed away at the owner's expense.
Parking will be allowed along W. Anderson Street, Jefferson Avenue and part of Fremont Avenue and in other designated areas (see map).
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, Idaho State Police and ITD crews will block exits from U.S. 20 onto Lindsay Boulevard and Riverside Drive southbound to break up traffic congestion.
Motorists wishing to travel east on U.S. 20 will be directed to the Science Center and Lewisville Highway exits before being allowed to turn back into the residential areas of Idaho Falls.
These precautions are designed to protect motorists and pedestrians and to enable the holiday festivities to proceed in an orderly way.
Law enforcement personnel reserve the right to modify the plan and to take corrective action if safety issues become a concern.
Law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho also will be out in force to find and arrest impaired drivers. Funding for this patrol effort is supplied through a federal grant administered by ITD, said Kevin Bechen with ITD's Office of Highway Operations and Safety.
"Nationwide, impaired drivers make the summer holiday one of the deadliest holiday periods of the year," Bechen said. "Impaired driving is no accident - nor is it a victimless crime. Alcohol, drugs and driving just don't mix."
The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, sponsored by Melaleuca Inc. of Idaho Falls and now in its 16th year, takes place on the Greenbelt in downtown Idaho Falls. The celebration 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 the state's top elected officials, and a free fireworks display, the largest west of the Mississippi. Presidential candidate Mitt Romney and other dignitaries will attend this year's event.