Friday, Jul. 03, 2009

Fun on the Fourth: Your guide to fireworks lighting the skies of the metro-east

Metro-east residents are set to celebrate the nation's birthday, but rain may get in the way.

There's a good chance of storms in the metro-east area for the Fourth, even with numerous fireworks displays planned for metro-east towns and in downtown St. Louis.

The city of Columbia is marking its 150th anniversary with a three-day birthday bash, and Valmeyer is celebrating its 100th birthday party during its Midsummer Celebration.

Here's a list of local fireworks displays planned for Saturday:

Alhambra: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Alhambra Firemen-Legion Park

Columbia: RESCHEDULED for 9:15 p.m. Sunday, American Legion Memorial Park

Dupo: RESCHEDULED for dusk Sunday, Community Park

Freeburg: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Freeburg Recreation Park

Grafton: dusk, Saturday, confluence of Mississippi and Illinois rivers

Granite City: 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Wilson Park.

Greenville: dusk, Saturday, Patriots Park

Lebanon: dusk, today, Horner Park

Mascoutah: RESCHEDULED for 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Scheve Park

Millstadt: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Village Park

Steeleville: 10 p.m. Saturday, City Park

Troy: dusk Saturday, Tri-Township Park

Valmeyer: dusk, Saturday

St. Louis Riverfront: 9:15 p.m. Saturday

Thinking about putting on your own fireworks show?

Illinois law prohibits use of fireworks by consumers, according to Illinois State Fire Marshal David Foreman.

However, novelty fireworks, such as snakes, sparklers and party-poppers, are not regulated by the state.

The American Red Cross and the Illinois State Fire Marshal offer the following safety tips:

* Only use fireworks outdoors.

* Obey all local laws regarding fireworks.

* Read and follow instructions.

* Avoid throwing or aiming fireworks at people, animals, vehicles and homes.

* Fireworks should not be given to children.

* Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.

* Do not relight "dud" or faulty fireworks.

* Keep a bucket of water or water hose nearby.

* Give children glow-in-the-dark toys and noisemakers instead of sparklers.

*Do not make homemade fireworks.

* Avoid alcohol when handling fireworks.