Drive-in 4th of July Fireworks at multiple sites across Spokane

Parks & Recreation: 311 or 509.755.2489


Friday, June 26, 2020 at 12:01 p.m.


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SPOKANE -- Spokane Indians Baseball Club, City of Spokane Parks & Recreation, Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf, and Spokane Public Schools are partnering with several underwriters to bring the community a socially distant 4th of July celebration, offering a geographically dispersed drive-in fireworks experience.

Four separate fireworks displays will be offered across the Spokane area at 10 P.M. on July 4. People are encouraged to watch from their homes if nearby one of the four designated launch sites, or to view the fireworks drive-in style. SWX will also broadcast the fireworks live on television. Tune into 93.7 FM The Mountain beginning at 9:30 P.M. for continuous patriotic music.

In coordination with the Governor’s Office and Spokane Regional Health District, the shows will follow phase 2 guidelines for Drive-In Movie Theaters, with additional safety measures beyond requirements (outlined below). City of Spokane Parks & Recreation is reshaping fireworks plans from the cancellation of traditional 4th of July activities at Riverfront Park due to COVID-19.

The shows are made possible by the generous support of underwriters: American On-Site Services, Avista, Bulldog Rooter, Great Clips, Gus Johnson Ford, MultiCare, Numerica Credit Union, The Odom Corporation, Pizza Factory, and STCU. Media Partners include KHQ Television, 93.7 FM The Mountain, and The Spokesman-Review.

“We are thrilled to offer a celebration for Spokane, it was very important to us,” said Garrett Jones, director of City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. “The drive-in fireworks will be a way to celebrate at a distance, while still feeling the community spirit together.”

“Generations of families have made an Indians game their 4th of July tradition,” said Otto Klein, senior vice president of the Indians.  “Without baseball at the moment, we can still find creative ways to have Fireworks and celebrate in a safe way.”

“With all the cancellations of events and programs this summer due to the pandemic, it’s uplifting to be part of a project that is adapting to the times. Our hope from a County perspective is that the drive-in fireworks displays serve as temporary respite and a beacon of positivity to the community,” said Doug Chase, Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf director.

“As part of the ongoing partnership, the School District is pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for Spokane families and citizens to enjoy the 4th of July in a safe manner,” said Dr. Mark Anderson, associate superintendent, Spokane Public Schools.

Locations

  • Dwight Merkel Sports Complex (North)
  • Ferris High School (South)
  • Avista Stadium (Central)
  • Plante’s Ferry Sports Stadium (Valley)

Time

Fireworks shows will run simultaneously starting at 10 P.M. Parking lots will open at 9 P.M. as a safety measure to discourage crowds from gathering all day. After the shows, security will escort cars from the lots and close them.

Limited parking

Cars will be parked every-other space to foster social distancing, in alignment with phase 2 guidelines for drive-in theaters. Parking will be limited, and we anticipate lots filling quickly after opening at 9 P.M. Please have a second or third parking option in mind in case you encounter a full parking lot.

Many people will be able to view the fireworks from their nearby homes, and SWX will broadcast the fireworks live on television.

COVID-19 precautions

In coordination with the Governor’s Office and Spokane Regional Health District, phase 2 guidelines for Drive-In Movie Theaters will be followed during this drive-in fireworks celebration.

In addition, the following protocols and safety measures will be in place above and beyond requirements: hand sanitizer will be provided to all visitors courtesy of Numerica, and on-site security and parking personnel will help maintain distancing. After the event, vehicles will be escorted out of the lots in a timely manner and parking lots will be closed.

COVID-19 protocols for the drive-in fireworks celebration:

  1. Parking lots will open 60 minutes prior to the event to discourage pre-event functions
  2. Vehicles will be parked every-other space to ensure a minimum of 10’ distance between each
  3. Guests must remain in their vehicles except to visit the restroom
  4. Guests must wear a cloth face covering when leaving the vehicle for any reason, per the statewide mask order issued by the state Secretary of Health
  5. Signage will be placed at the entrance outlining social distancing guidelines
  6. Security personnel will distribute hand sanitizer
  7. Security personnel will also place a flyer under each vehicle's windshield wiper, facing inward, outlining event-specific COVID safety procedures
  8. Each parking lot will be staffed with between six and 15 licensed security personnel plus two police officers to direct traffic, position vehicles appropriately, and ensure the safety and security of attendees
  9. Event staff and security personnel are required to wear face masks and gloves at all times. Anyone with flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to work the event.
  10. Portable restrooms will be available; the number of guests lined up at one time will be limited to further decrease interaction between guests

More information

For more information, please visit www.Spokaneparks.org/4thofjuly.

 

About the Spokane Indians Baseball Club

The Spokane Indians are the Short Season Class “A” affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play at Avista Stadium. The Spokane Indians Team Store is available for online orders and curbside pick-up. The 2020 season is currently postponed. 

About City of Spokane Parks and Recreation

City of Spokane Parks and Recreation stewards nearly 120 properties across 4,000 acres of park land, including manicured parks, conservation lands, aquatic centers, golf courses, sports complexes, and an arboretum. We also offer hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities to improve the health and quality of life for our community. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org. Follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf

Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf oversees 15,000 acres of parks and recreational facilities providing four-season opportunities to recreate for Spokane County residents and visitors of all ages. System highlights include numerous community and regional parks, miles of paved and natural surfaced trails, thousands of acres of open space and conservation lands, aquatic facilities, camping and three highly-rated 18-hole championship golf courses. For more information on what we offer, visit www.spokanecounty.org/parks or check us out on Facebook!

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