MARK TODD
CONNEAUT - - Fireworks along Conneaut's Lake Erie shore will dazzle tonight, but traffic leaving the show could make motorists red, white and blue.
Police expect a crowd of thousands to watch Conneaut's big display at 10:30 p.m., and many will stampede to their cars minutes after the last rocket explodes over their heads. The result? Traffic delays sure to slow to exit of spectators, said Conneaut Police Chief Jon Arcaro.
Police will work to keep tonight's fireworks in the sky and not on city streets, Arcaro said. Drivers should factor the tie-ups into their schedule and keep a cool head, he said.
"We're advising everyone to be patient," Arcaro said. "It's going to take a little while (to get home)."
Conneaut's display is best viewed from Township Park or adjacent Lakeview Park, two lakefronts parks tucked into a residential district. The tight confines mean slow-going when hundreds of vehicles converge at the same spot at the same time, Arcaro said.
Additional police officers will be on the job tonight to keep vehicles moving, Arcaro said. Also, traffic signals at key intersections will be set to a blinking mode to help minimize bottlenecks, he said.
"We have a tried-and-true traffic plan that usually clears the (fireworks viewing area) out within 45 minutes to an hour," Arcaro said.
Conneaut's Fourth of July Festival committee has purchased $15,000 worth of fireworks for the extravaganza. The show is a highlight of the five-day festival at Lakeview Park, which concludes tonight.
The finals of the Dairy Queen Conneaut Idol contest begins at 9 p.m. at the Lakeview Park stage. After the fireworks, "Witz End" will perform.
