Fire Department officials from the City of Champaign Fire Department urge you to be safe this 4th of July holiday.
Each year there are thousands of injuries across the United States due to fireworks. It is important to note that any fireworks other then items such as sparklers and snakes are illegal to use in the in the State of Illinois and therefore the City of Champaign. A general rule of thumb to follow is: if it lights with a wick, explodes, or shoots in the air, it is illegal to buy or use in Illinois.
City of Champaign Fire Chief Gary Ludwig stated that last year in the State of Illinois, nearly 200 people were injured and several of those, 40-50, were third-degree burns, which are a very, very serious type of injury. Over 7,000 people were injured in the United States from fireworks so this is not something to be taken lightly. Chief Ludwig urges all residents to leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy one of the area fireworks displays such as the Champaign County Freedom Celebration.
Champaign County Freedom Celebration
Once again this year the Champaign County Freedom Celebration will begin with a parade. The parade begins near First Street and Kirby Avenue, then continues east on Florida to Lincoln Avenue in Urbana, then proceeds north on Lincoln Avenue to California Avenue. Parade units will turn on to Illinois Street to disperse and exit. The Parade begins at 11:05 a.m.
The Champaign County Freedom Celebration evening events begin at 7:00 p.m. with musical entertainment and children’s activities.
The fireworks display will begin at dusk, approximately 9:15. The launch site for the fireworks will be just west of the State Farm Center in parking lot E-14.
To learn more information about the 2014 Champaign County Freedom Celebration please visit www.july4th.net.