News Summary
As the Fourth of July approaches, Augusta and Columbia counties are taking enhanced safety measures for their community celebrations. Both the ‘Boom in the Park’ event at Towne Center Park and Augusta’s festivities downtown will start at 5 p.m. New regulations require youths under 16 to be accompanied by an adult. Attendees are encouraged to bring essentials as law enforcement ramps up their presence to ensure a safe environment along with prepared emergency response units.
Augusta and Columbia counties are gearing up for a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July celebration with enhanced safety measures in place for the community. The “Boom in the Park” event, scheduled for Friday, will take place at Towne Center Park in Evans, while Augusta’s Independence Day festivities will occur downtown at the Augusta Common, both kicking off at 5 p.m.
New regulations for the “Boom in the Park” event state that youths aged 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Each adult can supervise a maximum of four youths, a change enacted after disputes arose at the recent Columbia County Fair, prompting an early closure of that event.
Attendees at both celebrations are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, friends, family, and refillable water cups as warm weather is expected. In preparation for the increased crowds, law enforcement agencies are significantly ramping up their presence. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office will assign extra staff for Augusta’s downtown event, including approximately 65 uniformed officers and plainclothes personnel, bolstered by road patrol deputies and additional law enforcement officers across the county.
A proactive strategy is established to enhance safety and ensure a positive experience for all participants. The HEAT team, together with deputies from the Georgia State Patrol, will have augmented visibility throughout the celebration. Emergency response units from various agencies, including the Augusta Fire Department and Central EMS, will stand ready for any medical needs that may arise, and a comprehensive safety plan has been prepared to facilitate quick action as necessary.
Families are reminded of protocols regarding lost children; any missing individuals will be taken to Room 102 of the Riverwalk Special Events Building, ensuring a swift reunification process. Furthermore, road closures and traffic diversions are set to manage the flow of participants. Specific locations in downtown Augusta will experience significant traffic management with deputies stationed at every block from Fifth Street to 13th Street.
On the day of the event, part of the Riverwalk will close at 9 a.m. to facilitate preparations for the fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m., with barricades set up around the launch area to ensure safety. Participants are also cautioned regarding parking; limited availability is expected in the downtown sector, and the use of public parking decks is recommended for convenience.
While fireworks are legally permitted in Georgia under certain regulations, public safety officials have reiterated the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during the celebration. Outside alcohol and personal fireworks will be strictly prohibited at both events to maintain a secure environment for all attendees.
The Augusta Common’s annual celebration promises a festive atmosphere, complete with food vendors, live music, and the much-anticipated fireworks show. Authorities are optimistic about providing a memorable experience for the community, emphasizing the importance of attendees leaving with positive memories to encourage repeat participation in future events.
As celebration organizers and local law enforcement work together to ensure safety, community members are invited to join in the festivities, bringing their families for an evening filled with entertainment and national pride.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Fourth of July Holiday Celebrations
- WFXG: RCSO Outlines Safety Measures for Augusta
- Augusta Chronicle: July 4th Celebrations in Augusta Area
- Google Search: Fourth of July Celebrations
- Wikipedia: Fourth of July
