Celebrating independence: Dublin Park hosts festivities

By By Mitch Freeman Madison County Record
Madison's Dublin Park is the place to be, if you want to watch fireworks light up the evening sky.
According to Gayle Reid, the coordinator for the city's Fourth of July celebration said the fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. and will last for about half an hour. Prior to the fireworks, from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., games and activities will be available for children. Tickets for the activities will be on sale.
Parking for the celebration will be allowed only inside Dublin Park, Madison Police Director Lee Weaver said. It is illegal to park along Old Madison Pike or along any residential street. She suggested that people car-pool to ease traffic and parking problems associated with the event.
Police will be at the celebration to deal with traffic and to ensure public safety. No alcohol or unsanctioned fireworks will be allowed at the park
Weaver warns that possession, sale or discharging fireworks in the Madison city limits is illegal. Any fireworks found in Madison will be confiscated, Weaver said, and anyone caught will be subject to arrest.
In case you decide to discharge fireworks in an area where they are not illegal, some 8,000 in 2002 were treated for injuries related to fireworks, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. Half of those injured were under 15 years of age and were burns about the hands, eyes and head. Use of fireworks can result in blindness, severe burns, amputations and death, public health officials warn.
The following safety tips are offered, should you set off fireworks:
* Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
* Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
* Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
* Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.
* Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
* Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.