ASHLAND — Are you going to watch fireworks in Ashland this year? Here’s everything to expect, from parking to which radio stations to tune in.
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller said law enforcement will begin directing traffic in the Freer Field area at 5 p.m. on Friday.
But Freer Field will open at 6 p.m. to those interested in spectating the fireworks display later that night. Spectators are encouraged to park on the north side of the field.
There will be two handicap-accessible parking areas — one on the east side of the field along Park Street and another on the west side by the white barn.
Miller described the parking areas as looking like a “very patriotic tailgate party.” The mayor said he witnessed people bringing food and drinks to last year’s Fourth of July event.
Last year was the first time the city hosted the July 4th fireworks display at Freer Field.
Alcoholic drinks are prohibited on public park property, according to county parks rules and regulations.
Schedule of the evening
Here’s an outline of the rest of the evening:
- At 7 p.m. patriotic music from different genres will play through the speakers
- At 8 p.m. WRDL will broadcast from Freer Field and play patriotic music.
- Miller and the rotary’s fireworks chairman, Mitch Piskur, and other community members will take the main stage at 9:15 p.m. for a “patriotic pre-show.” The rotary, sponsors of the fireworks show, will draw winners of the raffle money prize. Miller said the stage will include two jumbo screens.
- The fireworks will start around 9:45 p.m.
- WNCO (101.3FM) put together a patriotic soundtrack to start at beginning of show and during. WRDL (88.9FM) will also play a patriotic “synchronized” soundtrack and play through the speakers, according to Derek Wood, the station’s manager.
At the end of the fireworks show, law enforcement will direct traffic at the event’s three exits: Park, Chestnut and Center streets.