Citizens can expect temporary changes in traffic patterns downtown on Wednesday, July 4, as the City prepares for its annual fireworks display.
“This year we have changed the location of where we will shoot off fireworks in hopes of providing a better viewing experience for those who attend our July Fourth Celebration at the Crossing as well as those who make their way downtown to watch the fireworks after dark,” said Danville Parks and Recreation Director Bill Sgrinia.
This year, crews will detonate the fireworks on the southbound lane of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge. Weather permitting, the fireworks are expected to begin at dusk.
“This is a new location for us and it should provide a much better viewing experience and more viewing locations for residents. Likewise, this location moves the fireworks away from the Danville Area Humane Society,” Sgrinia said. “Of course, with any change, we wanted to let residents know as much information as possible in regards to traversing downtown and where they can safely watch the show.”
Beginning at 2 p.m., the southbound lane (closest to Danville Family YMCA) and all access lanes will close to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. At 8 p.m., prior to the start of the fireworks display, the northbound lane and all access lanes will close to all traffic. The trail trestle pedestrian bridge at the Crossing at the Dan will close at 9 p.m.; no spectators will be allowed to watch the show from the bridge.
Residents are encouraged to access the Carrington Pavilion, which opens at 6 p.m., using Union Street Bridge or Industrial Avenue.
“We are asking everyone to be aware of the adjusted traffic patterns and to obey all signs and detours,” Sgrinia added.
Along with the closures in roadways, Parks and Recreation maintenance crews will close portions of the Riverwalk Trail located within a 500-foot radius of the fireworks command center.
“With this new location, there should be plenty of viewing areas in and around downtown,” Sgrinia said. “We can’t stress the importance of obeying all barricades and blockades.”
The fireworks display will round out a full day of July 4 activities, courtesy of Danville Parks and Recreation.
The day will kick off at 8 a.m. at Anglers Park with the 10th Annual Patriot Challenge Trail Run and Children’s Fun Run. The run features a 5k/10k and Children’s Fun Run followed by an ice cream social. Registration costs $30 for both races and $5 for the fun run. Online registration ends June 30; day of registration costs $40 (cash only). The Patriot Challenge is sponsored by SOVAH Health, Danville Running and Fitness Club and Danville Parks and Recreation.
The Danville Farmers’ Market will begin at 1 p.m. and will run until 6 p.m. Shoppers can expect all of their favorite local fruits, vegetables, beef, chicken, pork, honey, jams, jellies, canned goods, baked goods and more.
Following the market, the Annual Fourth of July Celebration will kick off at 6 p.m. at the Carrington Pavilion. The celebration will feature free entertainment, arts and crafts, and Captain Jim’s Magical Illusion Show. Food concessions and amusement rides will be available. Admission is free. Musical performances will begin at 6:50 p.m. with Carolyn Smith followed by the Wampler Brothers Band at 7:45 p.m.
The Fourth of July Celebration is sponsored by URW Community Federal Credit Union, J&J Equipment Rentals, J&J Truck Sales, and Danville Parks and Recreation.
For more information, call (434) 793-4636 or visit PlayDanvilleVA.com/FourthofJuly.