AKRON, Ohio — The City of Akron still plans on having its annual Fourth of July fireworks display this year but with the addition of a slight wrinkle. Instead of having patriotic onlookers crowd into downtown like hotdogs into saran wrap, the city will instead host four separate fireworks displays in various parts around the city.
“This year we wanted to still celebrate with our residents and the community so we wanted to come up with a way to celebrate with everyone at a socially distanced, responsible way with as many people as we can,” said Chris Griffith, the coordinator for Lock 3 Park. “When we stuff everybody downtown it gets a little tight. We thought let’s try multiple locations that way people have multiple options.”
Fireworks will be launched from four locations: Summit Lake, Patterson Park ballfields, Akron Executive Airport and the State Street parking deck downtown. The display will be set to patriotic music on 97.5 WONE.
“The whole goal of the four locations is so people can stay at their houses or their neighborhoods or their local parks and [maintain social distancing] with their community or their family,” Griffith said.
Those wanting to see the fireworks displays should arrive early and maintain at least six feet of separation.
Griffith said test fireworks will be launched around 8:30pm on Saturday. The test shots should help onlookers find the best vantage point.
