May 07, 2025
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Streator fireworks will return to Anderson Fields Golf Course

New location was a success, committee says

By Derek Barichello

A grassy area off of the Kroger parking lot provided many with a good view of the Streator Fourth of July fireworks display Sunday, July 11, 2021. The fireworks were launched from a new location at Anderson Fields Golf Course and they will return there in 2022. (Tom Sistak for Shaw Media)

The Streator 4th of July fireworks went well enough at Anderson Fields Golf Course that the committee received permission Tuesday from the City Council to have them again there next year.

After the pandemic canceled the fireworks in 2020, this summer’s show was presented at Anderson Fields Golf Course for the first time after many years at the Streator High School football field.

Moving the show allowed spectators to watch from the city’s northern business district parking lots, such as Kroger, Walmart, Star Ford and Bill Walsh car dealerships, among other spots.

It also brought the fireworks closer to the festival grounds at Northpoint Plaza where live music and the carnival was presented.

“Northpoint is a straight shot to Anderson Fields, and the distance is about the same as the open field where everyone sits when the fireworks were at the high school,” Dominic said. “We want people to be able to come and enjoy the show, and still be able to catch the fireworks.”

The new fireworks vendor, J&M Displays, featured solely aerial displays, rather than the low-to-ground pyrotechnics of past shows. This allowed the committee to close Anderson Fields to all spectators during the show.

“I didn’t hear a single bad thing about this year’s celebration,” said Councilman Joe Scarbeary.

City Manager David Plyman said the city may look into adding more signage on Route 23 during the fireworks, because he said he witnessed motorists speeding through the busy area where police officers and community service officers were directing traffic.

“We can work with (Illinois Department of Transportation) to see what we can do to reduce the speed limit in those areas before and after the fireworks,” Plyman said.

The festival will remain scheduled for the week after July 4 because it allows the committee to attract quality entertainment and to schedule the best fireworks it can, committee organizers told the City Council. The fireworks will be on the Sunday — the final day of the festival.

The committee already is working on raising money for next year’s show. It is not affiliated with the city of Streator and generates its revenue from money made during the festival, donations, sponsorships and volunteer efforts.

Want to pitch in?

Look for raffle tickets to be sold soon for the chance to win a golf cart, which will be on display at the Bill Walsh car dealership. Tickets will be sold at Ace Hardware, 404-408 E. Main St., during Cruise Night on Saturday, Sept. 4.