Maumee-Perrysburg fireworks' 30th may warrant a big bash

7/1/2009

Maumee and Perrysburg will hold their annual Independence Day fireworks display on July 3.

This marks the 29th year the two cities have collaborated on the event, and Maumee Administrator John Jezak wonders if a 30th anniversary celebratory observance might be in order next year.

He said he had not yet brought up the matter with Maumee City Council, but added, "I'd like to explore the idea with Perrysburg to see if they'd like to do anything to recognize 30 years of collaboration."

This year's display promises to repeat the success of the past, when fireworks drew thousands on both sides of the Maumee River.

"It's a nice confluence of the communities," Perrysburg Administrator John Alexander said.

Pyrotecnico of New Castle, Penn., which designed last year's show, will be back. The cost is $27,000, of which $14,850 will be paid by Maumee and $12,150 by Perrysburg.

Maumee has paid a little more because Perrysburg provides more public services for the event. But Mr. Jezak noted that Maumee's costs are offset by donations from citizens and businesses, which are $2,900 to date. Last year's dona-tions were $5,400. The shooting is done on the Fort Meigs Memorial Bridge on the Perrysburg side.

The bridge will be closed from 8 to 11:30 p.m. and traffic will be prohibited on Conant Street from U.S. 24 to the bridge. Maumee police recommend that spectators wishing to park in the uptown area arrive before 8 p.m.

The fireworks will start about 10 p.m., but there will be plenty of preshow activities. In case of rain, the fireworks will be on July 5.

The Maumee Uptown Business Association will be serving hot dogs, ice cream, and pop in the 100 block of East Wayne Street from 5 to 9 p.m. The Maumee Community Band will perform from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by Johnny Rodriguez until 9 p.m.

The Perrysburg Arts Council will sponsor a concert by Swingmania at 8 p.m. in Fort Meigs. Grady Jones and Jessica Jambor will sing the national anthem.

The northbound lane of Fort Meigs Road will be closed at 9 p.m. for the fireworks, according to the Perrysburg Police Division.

Westbound traffic on West Front Street will be diverted south on State Rt. 25, and northbound traffic on Route 25 will be forced to go east on West Front Street.

Police recommend that spectators arrive before 9 p.m. and leave after 11 to avoid congestion and confusion.