As area towns begin celebrating America’s 250th Birthday this Fourth of July, the Indian Lake area has chipped in to make this year’s celebration possible. Amber Fagan, Director of the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce, said the lake community really came together to make this year’s show happen.
As previously reported on peakofohio.com, one of the show’s major sponsors was forced to step back from supporting the show this year. Fagan said the Chamber wasn’t prepared for the increased need for funds. Additionally, she was contacted by the fireworks company, which informed her that its price for the show would increase by several thousand dollars.
Once word of the need broke, Fagan said she was contacted by several businesses asking what they could do to help. Since the show brings “thousands and thousands” of people to the region each year, several area businesses stepped in to fill the void. She said the recent Firecracker Run and golf outing set the tone for the fundraising efforts.
According to Fagan, the business support has been noteworthy, but she has noticed a large number of citizens have also contributed to the show:
To contribute to the Indian Lake Fireworks Show, click here.
Additionally, visitors heading to Indian Lake should expect significant traffic restrictions and safety measures surrounding the annual fireworks display.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Washington Township Police Department, and Russells Point Police Department will combine efforts to manage traffic and ensure public safety before and after the fireworks on Saturday, July 4.
The fireworks launch site will once again be located on the south bank of Indian Lake between Township Road 239 and the western corporate limits of Russells Point.
The restricted area includes the Midway parking lot along State Route 366, nearby ODNR property, and the bike path extending east toward Paradise Point.
To meet safety requirements, portions of the bike path and adjacent grassy areas will be fenced off.
A larger safety zone marked by buoys will also extend into the lake from the south shore.
No parking will be permitted between the Midway parking lot, Township Road 239, and the western limits of Russells Point.
Paradise Island, located across from Indian Head, will close to new traffic at 9 p.m.
Vehicles already on the island will be allowed to leave.
Officials are also reminding residents and visitors that State Route 366 remains under a long-term closure between Township Road 239 and Indian Head Road House.
Russells Point Police Chief Joe Freyhof talks about safety and traffic:
Post-Fireworks Traffic Plan
Immediately following the fireworks display, motorists should prepare for major traffic pattern changes designed to move vehicles out of the area as quickly as possible.
At 10 p.m., State Route 366 at State Route 235 will close to all vehicle traffic. Vehicles traveling on State Route 366 between State Route 235 and Township Road 239 will be directed eastbound to Township Road 239, where traffic will then be diverted east or west onto U.S. 33.
Several access points connecting U.S. 33 to Main Street in Russells Point will be temporarily closed for as long as necessary to improve traffic flow. Those closures include:
- Sunnyside Avenue near the Donut Shop
- Clermont Street near Golf Cart World
- Lincoln Boulevard near The Wedge
- State Route 708 near Huntington Bank
Traffic signals at State Route 708 and Township Road 239 along U.S. 33 will either flash yellow or be manually controlled to keep traffic moving efficiently.
Drivers east of Russells Point will still be able to access U.S. 33 using roads from County Road 94 east toward Huntsville.
Officials note that intersections throughout Russells Point must be restricted because they can only accommodate a small number of vehicles before traffic backs up onto U.S. 33.
Traffic leaving Oldfield Beach will be limited to right turns only following the fireworks.
Additional restrictions include:
- Southbound traffic approaching Van Horn’s Curve on State Route 235 will be required to continue straight onto State Route 366 toward U.S. 33.
- Northbound traffic on State Route 235 must continue north.
- No left turns will be permitted from State Route 235.
- Motorists traveling south on State Route 235 will be required to turn either east or west onto U.S. 33.
- Access to Lakeview from southbound State Route 235 or from U.S. 33 at that intersection will not be permitted.
- Vehicles leaving Lakeview will not be able to access U.S. 33 at that location.
Law enforcement officers are asking drivers to use their turn signals so officers directing traffic can move vehicles through the area more efficiently.
Officials also remind travelers that State Route 274 remains closed at U.S. 33 due to ongoing roundabout construction.
Severe Weather Plan in Place
Emergency officials have also established a severe weather response plan for the event.
Incident Command will closely monitor weather conditions throughout the day. If severe weather appears to be on a path toward Indian Lake, command staff and team leaders will be notified. If the storms move through quickly, the show will be pushed back until 10:30 or 11:00. The weather date will be Sunday, July 5.
A final decision regarding the fireworks display will be made approximately one hour before launch time. Officials say that time is necessary to allow visitors enough opportunity to safely leave the area if conditions warrant an evacuation.
If a delay or evacuation becomes necessary, Incident Command will notify all participating agencies and local media outlets immediately. Emergency announcements, including instructions to seek shelter, will be broadcast to the public.
Officials encourage visitors to arrive early, plan alternate routes, follow posted restrictions, and remain patient as thousands of people exit the Indian Lake region following one of Ohio’s largest Independence Day celebrations.
