Fireworks planned for Independence Day at Coleman Memorial Park
With the countywide burn ban lifted, Lebanon city officials said the yearly fireworks exhibition will be held this Fourth of July
The display at Coleman Memorial Park will begin around 9 p.m., with a rain date for Wednesday, July 5. The Lebanon Community Concert Band, under the direction of Keith Frantz, will be in concert in the spectator area of the lower parking lot beginning at 8 p.m. and will perform until the fireworks begin.
"We do not permit aerial fireworks to be shot off in the city," Mayor Sherry Capello told residents at the council meeting June 26. "That is because of our density, and it is a safety hazard."
Questions were raised about whether the fireworks would occur after Lebanon County Commissioners passed a resolution earlier this month prohibiting open burning and fireworks. Commissioners cited that severe dry conditions had "a much higher potential for wildfires."
On June 26, commissioners lifted the burn ban, stating that increased rainfall and significant shifts in weather conditions had reduced the risk of wildfires.
Burn ban lifted: Burn ban lifted in Lebanon County Monday as risk of wildfires decreases, officials said
City ordinances prohibit the discharge of consumer fireworks on streets, sidewalks and property in Lebanon, which include public parks and buildings. Using aerial fireworks within 150 feet of an occupied structure is also illegal, with city officials saying that the use of consumer aerial fireworks is unlawful virtually everywhere in the city.
Fireworks that include bottle rockets, roman candles, rocket launchers, artillery shells, artificial satellites, and skyrockets are not permitted in the city.
On July 4, 2021, Consolidated Scrap Resources recycling center had a three-alarm fire that was started by illegal fireworks, which caused the fire to ignite and spread quickly through the business. An on-scene explosion with a propane tank sent debris three blocks away and ignited a nearby roof, with officials calling it one of the biggest fires in decades for the county.
Fireworks can cause severe injuries, damage property and create unnecessary hazards for neighborhoods, city officials said.
"It is really a danger, and we just don't want to see that type of tragedy," Capello said Monday.
Novelty fireworks such as ground bloom flowers, paper tank & vehicles, snakes, snaps and sparklers are permitted in the city.
Recycling center fire: July 4th recycling center fire caused by illegal fireworks, according to Lebanon police
For the safety of fireworks spectators coming to Coleman Park on July 4, no bikes will be permitted in the parking area near the ballfields of the park after 5 p.m., and dogs will not be permitted in the spectator area. All sparklers, fireworks novelties and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
The fireworks are partially funded by donations from businesses and residents. More information can be found at the city's Facebook page and at lebanonpa.org.
Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on Twitter at @DAMattToth.
This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Fireworks planned for Fourth of July at Coleman Memorial Park
