Independence Day festivities planned in Clovis, Portales

Jul. 1—The nation celebrates freedom on Tuesday and Clovis-Portales will join in with fireworks displays starting at 9 p.m. in both communities.

Clovis hosts its annual "Smoke on the Water" at Greene Acres Park.

Activities begin at 11 a.m. with a basketball tournament, skateboarding contest, music and more until the light show begins at dark.

"This year is probably going to be the biggest that Clovis has seen," said Cari Kelly with Global One Media, sponsor of the event. "I've been talking with our fireworks shooter, and he's put in some extra this year. So, it's really going to be just a spectacular show of just nonstop fireworks once it starts."

In Portales, fireworks are expected to be "bigger and better than ever before," according to Karl Terry with the Roosevelt County Chamber. That show is set for the Portales Softball Complex, on the city's western edge.

Despite some obstacles, Terry said there's a new company this year to help put on an exciting show.

"After being dropped by our previous fireworks contractor and being unable to secure someone new on short notice last year, we're pleased to have a new company, Hog Wild Pyrotechnics, to do our show," Terry said in a release.

The company is coming out of Arkansas and has designed the show in Portales to fire from three locations on the softball field.

Tips for pet owners

Gaye Cooke, vice president of High Plains Humane Society said July 4 is the busiest day of the year for shelters, as there are many pets who get spooked and run off due to the loud bangs of the celebration. She said more pets go missing on Independence Day than any other day of the year.

Cooke said it's not just July 4 that is a cause for concern, but that neighborhoods tend to light fireworks throughout the week causing many pets to feel scared and anxious.

"So obviously loud bangs and flashes scare pets and they don't understand what they are, so they take off," Cooke said.

According to a press release from Best Friends Animal Society, a animal welfare organization, here are the top four tips that can assist pet owners during the firecracker season:

— All pets should be indoors and secured in a quiet room whenever there are neighborhood firework displays. Windows should be closed, curtains drawn and surround the pet with their favorite toys and treats. Play calming music or leave the television on to block out the sound of the fireworks.

— Ensure that pets are always away from lit fireworks. Pets tend to chase bright moving objects and often run the risk of harming themselves in the process.

— Fireworks should be out of reach to animals as they contain substances that are toxic under consumption.

— Double check that your pet is wearing current identification tags in case your pet gets scared and runs off.

"We always recommend keeping pets at home, keeping them in a quiet place," Cooke said. "The safest place is their crate, if they're crate trained. Preferably they're happier when their people are there with them."

Curry, Roosevelt County firework restrictions

Curry County Fire and Safety Department reminds residents to follow the Curry County Commission's June 1, 2021, proclamation for firework restrictions in the county's unincorporated areas.

The proclamation restricts the sale and use of certain aerial fireworks and ground audible fireworks, including "helicopters," aerial spinners, missile rockets, stick rockets, chasers and firecrackers.

Fireworks that are permitted in limited areas that are paved or barren, with a readied supply of water, are ground and hand-held sparkling devices, Roman candles, shells and mines.

Roosevelt County reminds residents to continue following the Fireworks Permit and Safety Ordinance No. 2017-04.

The ordinance restricts the sale, possession and use of certain aerial fireworks and ground audible fireworks, including missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners, and stick-type rockets

For fireworks that are permitted, county residents should use subsection areas that are paved and barren. Accessible source of water is required.

In Clovis, road closures and rules are as follows (Do not use the closed streets for parking):

— On Monday, Main Street between 21st and Purdue will close at noon, reopening at 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

— On Tuesday, the following roads will be closed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.:

Mitchell Street from Purdue to 21st Street — Purdue will be closed from Main to Mitchell — 21st from Main to Mitchell.

— If you have the ability and are in close enough proximity to walk to Greene Acres, please do so to help with any traffic congestion.

— No weapons of any kind are permitted at Smoke on the Water.

— Absolutely no personal fireworks will be allowed on the premises. Use of personal fireworks presents a hazard for the professional display.

— Leave animals at home.

— Although the park will be open to everyone, the area around the fireworks will be blocked off to ensure safety. This includes the field behind Marshall Middle school, and the parking lot in the vicinity. Police officials do note that fireworks will not shoot off unless all safety protocols are adhered to.

Portales police want to remind people that in order for everyone to stay safe and have a good time a few rules need to be followed. Those rules include:

— No alcohol is allowed in city parks.

— Pets should be on a leash or preferably left at home.

— No personal fireworks will be allowed in surrounding parks during the event.

— Stay inside the mowed designated viewing and parking areas to avoid snakes, cactus and other hazards.

— Obey all road closures and traffic control officers.

— No one is allowed on the walking trails the entire day of event.

— Promptly report any dangerous or hazardous activities to an officer on duty.

The east side of the fireworks safety perimeter comes to Industrial Drive from the softball complex parking lot to the walking trails parking lot. Official personnel only will be allowed in the immediate area of the pond. No vehicle traffic will be allowed on the access road along the south side of the softball fields because of the fireworks perimeter and the walking trails also fall within the perimeter.