06/30/2026
Out of an overabundance of caution and with safety being the number one priority the logistics of the July Fourth Fireworks that will be taking place on July 2, 2026 will look a little different than years past. This year the fireworks display in Decatur will be a bit different due to US 224 being closed and Jackson Street being the only local detour to the east side of Decatur. Typically, Jackson Street gets closed and vehicle traffic is not a concern, but this year that is not the case. Parents, please keep a close eye on your children, and explain to them Jackson St will not be closed like it normally is. If driving through this area we ask you slow to 20mph and use great caution, keeping an extra eye out for pedestrian traffic.
Due to restrictions from the company conducting the fireworks display the grass field behind the riverside center must have a distance of 500 feet between the launch site and any person or vehicle. With this restriction the grass field will be getting used for limited, first come, first serve self-parking. Once you are parked in the field, you will not be able to leave until the conclusion of the fireworks show at the end of the evening. We ask you enter this area via the lane along the river as indicated by the red car on the map.
For those who choose to park in the grass field there will be a singular dedicated pedestrian crossing area as indicated by the red stick figure on the map that will lead the foot traffic directly to the Riverside Center and into the area of the concert, food vendors, and bathrooms. We will have an officer stationed in this area to help aid the pedestrians crossing. We are asking that spectators use the Riverside Center parking lot as the viewing area for the fireworks so that everything you need will be on one side of the street to help eliminate crossing back and forth.
You will not be able to sit on the sidewalk along Jackson Street at any time, as that space must remain open for foot traffic. We also do not want to see any feet or legs inadvertently hit by passing motorists. If you ride a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, etc. to this event we ask you walk these devices through the crowded areas to help avoid accidents. Please do not bring your dogs to this event; fireworks, loud music, crowds, and dogs are never a good combination.
Lastly, the Riverside Center parking lot will be completely closed by 3pm on Thursday, July 2nd to help prepare the area for the event. Any vehicles left on the paved parking lot may be towed at the owner’s expense. We have been told there is no ground show this year, so the entire firework show will be aerial and visible from all over the city, well above the tree line if you wish to find a different viewing area. Have a fun and safe celebration Decatur!
