Community Corner
Suggestion for Darien Fireworks: Bring Rain Gear [UPDATE]
Logistics are key. Darien Police Department has thought about how to get thousands of people and cars in and out of DHS on June 28th.
Darien fireworks organizers say they may start the show anytime between 8:45 to 9:15 p.m. to avoid rain.
Earlier this evening, fireworks organizers sent an email out saying rain could either delay the show (originally scheduled for 9 p.m.) by 15 minutes or so, or they could advance it by 15 minutes, depending on when rain was expected.
Update 5:38 p.m.:
Darien fireworks organizers say those attending the event may want to bring raingear, since there may be some rain before the show. The show can be delayed for a while if necessary to let the the rain pass.
Expect the fireworks to begin at 9 p.m. Garrett Gardner, finalist on The Voice, takes the stage at 8 p.m. with his band, according to David Genovese, one of the organizers.
Genovese also made this announcement late this afternoon:
"The fireworks are set to music, and if you are within two miles of Darien High School you can tune into 98.1 FM and hear the stereo simulcast transmission of the soundtrack! Very cool addition to the program by the team at M Communications."
Update, 12:51 p.m.:
There were still about 70 Darien High School parking passes available for Friday night's fireworks, as of late this morning.
Sales continue in the lobby of Town Hall through the afternoon (unless they sell out).
Update, 11:32 a.m. Wednesday: parking passes are still on sale and will be from 8:30 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. through Friday, in the lobby of Town Hall.
"We've had quite a few people come by," said Ann Johnston, who's selling passes right now.
Original article:
The Darien Police Department has announced that several regulations will be in effect the evening of Friday, June 28, 2013 for the fireworks display at Darien High School.
Parking By Permit
All parking in the high school lot will be with a pre-paid permit only. This permit must be displayed so that it is visible in the vehicles windshield when approaching the gate.
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Parking permits can be purchased at the Darien Town Hall. No permits will be sold at the Darien High School gate.
Traffic Flow
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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 6:00 PM.
Handicapped Parking
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.
Start time
Kesti Aysseh of the Darien Firefighters' Foundation wrote in an email Tuesday: "When it gets dark" But an insert in a local newspaper, apparently from the Firefighters' Foundation, says 9 p.m. So it looks like 9 p.m., although that time doesn't seem to be noted on either the Darien Firefighters' Association website or Facebook page.
Allow Extra Time
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.
Avoid Getting Towed
Approximately thirty-four 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 impede traffic flow and vehicles blocking driveways will be towed away by an on duty wrecker that will be on site throughout the event.
Specifics on Parking
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 ½ mile – DCA, St. Thomas Moore
Parking lots within 1 mile – Middlesex Middle School, McGuane Field
When capacity has been reached for all parking, Noroton Avenue Extension will be closed. Anyone caught tampering with or removing NO PARKING signs will be arrested.
Chauffeuring Kids?
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.
Emergency Services
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.
No Alcohol...
No alcoholic beverages are allowed on any school property.
The fireworks rain date is Sunday, June 30th.
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