Darien police have announced these safety and traffic rules for people attending — and especially driving to — the town fireworks display on Saturday, July 2.
Some highlights: No vehicles can enter before 6:30 p.m.; No parking passes are available on the day of the event; no booze at the event; if you try to take down a no parking sign, you’ll be arrested; your bags, backpack or cooler may be searched; there are various ways you could park your car so that it will be towed, putting a definite crimp on your fun (see the announcement for that and for other rules).
Here’s the announcement:
The following regulations will be in force the evening of Saturday, July 2, 2016 for the fireworks display at Darien High School (rain date Sunday, July 3).
Fireworks burst over Yokota Air Base July 4. The 374th Force Support Squadron provided the fireworks display to Yokota residents and their guests. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Michael Dillon) (photo via Wikimedia Commons)
All parking in the high school lot will be with a pre-paid permit only. This permit must be visible in the vehicle’s windshield when approaching the gate. Parking permits can be purchased at the Darien Town Hall. No permits will be sold at the Darien High School gate.
All traffic will enter the high school grounds via Noroton Avenue. Cars will be parked in a manner so that all vehicles will be facing away from the high school area to expedite traffic flow at the conclusion of the display. No vehicles will be allowed to enter the high school property until 6:30 p.m.
Residents should be advised that there are a limited number of handicapped parking spaces available and a handicapped permit will be required to access the handicapped area.
Due to the large number of persons expected to attend this display, it is urged that whenever possible, residents allow sufficient time to walk to the display area to alleviate as much as possible the anticipated traffic congestion.
Approximately 34 police officers will be stationed at various points along with barricades and “No Parking” signs to regulate parking. Due to the large number of vehicles expected, it will be necessary to enforce parking regulations by designating tow away zones.
Vehicles that are determined to be in a hazardous location, vehicles that are impeding traffic flow and vehicles that are blocking driveways will be towed away by an on-duty wrecker that will be on site throughout the event.
Noroton Avenue: No parking
Holly Lane (public portion only): Parking on south side only facing Middlesex Road
Libby Lane: Parking on west side only facing Middlesex Road
Parking lots within 1 mile: Middlesex Middle School, McGuane Field
REMINDER: No alcoholic beverages are allowed on any school property. In addition, anyone caught tampering with or removing NO PARKING signs will be arrested.
When capacity has been reached for all parking, Noroton Avenue Extension will be closed. Parents are reminded that they will not be allowed into the high school area to pick up their children until after the roads are clear.
Parents should arrange a pickup site and tell their children to wait at that site until they can gain entry into the area. For the safety of all spectators, light colored clothing should be worn and if possible, spectators should carry a flashlight or a chemical light.
A police department and emergency services command post will be located in the parking lot near the entrance to the football field.
As a safety precaution, the Darien Police Department will be deploying additional assets to this event and all bags, backpacks and coolers will be subject to inspection.