Posted 11:49 am Friday, June 29, 2012
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Jaycees Prepare For Annual Fireworks Extravaganza
By JACQUE HILBURN-SIMMONS
Staff Writer
If you are looking for a family friendly way to celebrate Independence Day, grab a lawn chair and some sunscreen and then head to the Tyler Jaycees’ 49th annual Fireworks Extravaganza at Lindsey Park.
Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. Wednesday, providing opportunities for people of all ages to celebrate the occasion in a safe environment that’s close to home, organizers said.
The day is expected to include concessions, entertainment, a patriotic salute and of course, plenty of fireworks, Jaycees event planner Jen Cook said.
“We’re very excited,” she said. “This provides a safe atmosphere for people to bring out their families — Friendly Baptist Church Youth Group and the dunking booth are always favorites.”
Between 5,000 and 7,000 people are expected to attend the events, which wrap up after the evening fireworks display, Ms. Cook said.
Staff Writer
If you are looking for a family friendly way to celebrate Independence Day, grab a lawn chair and some sunscreen and then head to the Tyler Jaycees’ 49th annual Fireworks Extravaganza at Lindsey Park.
Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. Wednesday, providing opportunities for people of all ages to celebrate the occasion in a safe environment that’s close to home, organizers said.
The day is expected to include concessions, entertainment, a patriotic salute and of course, plenty of fireworks, Jaycees event planner Jen Cook said.
“We’re very excited,” she said. “This provides a safe atmosphere for people to bring out their families — Friendly Baptist Church Youth Group and the dunking booth are always favorites.”
Between 5,000 and 7,000 people are expected to attend the events, which wrap up after the evening fireworks display, Ms. Cook said.
Ted Kamel Enterprises is expected to provide the concessions, offering children’s meals and plenty of choices for customers of all ages.
There also will be patriotic souvenirs and glow necklaces available for purchase, Ms. Cook said.
Smoking, alcohol and personal fireworks are prohibited in all city parks, including those at Lake Tyler, authorities said.
Gates are set to open at 4 p.m. Admission is $5 a carload until 5 p.m. and $10 afterward with parking available on both sides of the park.
“Load up your car, whether it’s two or 10 people, it’s the same price,” Ms. Cook said.
There also will be patriotic souvenirs and glow necklaces available for purchase, Ms. Cook said.
Smoking, alcohol and personal fireworks are prohibited in all city parks, including those at Lake Tyler, authorities said.
Gates are set to open at 4 p.m. Admission is $5 a carload until 5 p.m. and $10 afterward with parking available on both sides of the park.
“Load up your car, whether it’s two or 10 people, it’s the same price,” Ms. Cook said.
Motorists should anticipate a series of route changes along roadways leading into and away from the area, Tyler police said.
“Beginning at 8:30 p.m., Spur 364 at Greenbriar Road will be closed to all eastbound traffic,” police spokesman Don Martin said, noting closures are necessary for public safety.
Police ask that people who live off Spur 364 between Loop 323 and Greenbriar Road be prepared to present their driver’s license for proof of residency if they need to get into the area.
“Officers will allow residents only to proceed westbound on Spur 364,” Martin said.
When the show ends, eastbound lanes on Texas Highway 31 at Loop 323 will be closed, police said, noting also traffic will not be allowed to turn left (north) onto Loop 323 from the eastbound lanes of Texas Highway 31.
“We’ll have officers out there directing traffic,” Martin said.
The Tyler Jaycees is a volunteer organization that has provided leadership training through community service projects since 1931.
There are still plenty of opportunities to lend a helping hand to Wednesday’s event. To learn more, email the Jaycees at TylerJaycees@gmail.com or call 903-597-4787 and leave a message.
“We encourage families to come out early and spend the afternoon playing and enjoying the entertainment before the fireworks,” Ms. Cook said. “It should be a great time.”
“Beginning at 8:30 p.m., Spur 364 at Greenbriar Road will be closed to all eastbound traffic,” police spokesman Don Martin said, noting closures are necessary for public safety.
Police ask that people who live off Spur 364 between Loop 323 and Greenbriar Road be prepared to present their driver’s license for proof of residency if they need to get into the area.
“Officers will allow residents only to proceed westbound on Spur 364,” Martin said.
When the show ends, eastbound lanes on Texas Highway 31 at Loop 323 will be closed, police said, noting also traffic will not be allowed to turn left (north) onto Loop 323 from the eastbound lanes of Texas Highway 31.
“We’ll have officers out there directing traffic,” Martin said.
The Tyler Jaycees is a volunteer organization that has provided leadership training through community service projects since 1931.
There are still plenty of opportunities to lend a helping hand to Wednesday’s event. To learn more, email the Jaycees at TylerJaycees@gmail.com or call 903-597-4787 and leave a message.
“We encourage families to come out early and spend the afternoon playing and enjoying the entertainment before the fireworks,” Ms. Cook said. “It should be a great time.”
