Watch fireworks in Oswego? Village asking spectators to wear masks, observe social distance

POST UPDATED AT 4:15 P.M. MONDAY, JUNE 29

The village of Oswego's annual community Independence Day fireworks display will be held--with social distance measures in place--from Prairie Point Park, 4120 Plainfield Road, Saturday evening, July 4.

The rain date for the fireworks display will be at 9 p.m. July 5, according to the village.

Those attending are asked to do their part to keep themselves and their neighbors healthy amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. In a press release, the village asks those attending the fireworks to "wear a mask, remain at least six feet apart from other parties, and if you are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. Residents who can view the fireworks from their homes or vehicles are encouraged to watch them from those locations."

The press release continued, "No alcoholic beverages are permitted. While dogs are permitted, pet owners are reminded that many dogs are frightened by fireworks and that the Fourth of July is the biggest day of the year for lost dog reports. Often, it is best to leave your pet home, in a quiet, secure environment."

Weather information and other real-time updates for the show will be available on the Village of Oswego's Facebook page. Like or follow @VillageofOswego for notifications, including weather-related postponements and emergency evacuation instructions in inclement weather.

Village police have announced they will limit parking and travel routes prior to and immediately following the fireworks display.

According to police, the display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. and end by 10 p.m. All fireworks viewers are encouraged to use the parking lots at Traughber Junior High School, Eastview Elementary, Prairie Point Elementary and Oswego High School. ADA accessible parking will be made available in the Oswego School District 308's bus transportation lot on Plank Road.

Temporary ‘no parking’ signs will be posted at the following locations:

• Route 71 between Route 34 & Forest Avenue

• Franklin Street

• Wilmette & Calumet Street

• Plainfield Road between Route 71 & Linden Drive

• Grove Road between Plainfield Road & Arboretum Way

• Bell Court

• Woolley Road between Plainfield Road and Colchester

Regulatory ‘no parking’ signs are posted on both sides of Stonehill Road, Theodore Drive, Templeton Drive and Plank Road. Both temporary and regulatory ‘no parking’ signs will be strictly enforced. As a reminder, parking on private property is prohibited unless you have prior permission from the landowner.

To alleviate traffic congestion, traffic patterns will be altered at several intersections throughout the area and at school parking lot exits. The areas affected by these changes include:

• Motorists will not be allowed to travel on West Washington Street towards downtown Oswego from Route 71. All traffic traveling on East Washington will only be allowed to travel northbound or southbound on Route 71, no through traffic will be allowed.

• Both parking lots of the Oswego High School and Eastview Elementary will only be allowed to travel northbound on Route 71.

• Motorists traveling east on Franklin Street will only be allowed to turn southbound onto Route 71.

• Motorists exiting Stonehill Road onto Wolf Road will be required to turn eastbound onto Wolf’s Crossing only.

• Motorists exiting Stonehill Road onto Woolley Road will be required to turn eastbound onto Woolley Road.

• Motorists exiting onto Woolley Road from the Traughber Junior High School lot will only be allowed to travel northbound on Colchester Drive or eastbound on Woolley Road.

Village police officers and community service officers will be located at intersections most affected by the increase in traffic and will assist with traffic control in these areas. In an effort to reduce traffic congestion, families driving to the event are asked to carpool. Please remain patient while traffic is clearing.