By Lindsey Bush
Idaho Falls Post Register
BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho — For law enforcement, national holidays aren’t all fun and games.
Community celebrations, such as the upcoming Independence Day festivities, often require additional police work to keep neighborhoods and residents safe.
“The Fourth of July is by far the busiest with traffic control and visitors to the city in general,” Idaho Falls Police Sgt. Dave Frei said.
To reduce confusion, frustration and accidents, city and state police officers hope to educate the area on Independence Day protocol.
Temporary parking restrictions will be arranged in the days leading up to the fireworks display at the Idaho Falls greenbelt. Any vehicle parked for longer than 48 hours on the streets surrounding Civitan Park will receive a citation and may be towed.
Starting this weekend and continuing through Tuesday, the streets surrounding the greenbelt will be closed to all vehicles, Frei said.
“We do this to help with traffic flow and safety, so we can get ambulances and fire equipment to places we may need them and to provide for orderly flow of traffic,” Frei said. “We also ask that (motorists) are patient and expect delays.”
While city police officers regulate vehicles on neighborhood streets, the Idaho State Police will control traffic and parking on and near U.S. Highway 20 and Interstate 15.
Along with managing vehicle parking, the police discourage using ropes and stakes to reserve spots for fireworks viewing near the river.
“It’s first come, first served from all the public locations,” Frei said. “Staking causes damage to the sprinkler systems and contention between people. We just prefer people go down early and stay at their spot (rather) than stake out their space.”
Parks and Recreation employees will remove stakes and ropes found near the greenbelt and individuals will be responsible for any damage caused by stakes, Frei said.
Throughout the Fourth of July Liberty Festival, parade and fireworks display, police remind those celebrating that private fireworks are prohibited and alcohol is off-limits in all city parks.
Despite the holiday’s collection of restrictions and advisories, police officers encourage individuals to enjoy eastern Idaho’s one-of-a-kind festivities.
“Above all, enjoy the best Independence Day celebration in the area,” Frei said. “Have a fun and safe celebration.”
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