The skies will light up over Independence Township on July 4.
Just be careful not to cause any fireworks driving home.
At their Tuesday, June 17 meeting, the Independence Township Board approved three separate fireworks displays for Independence Day. All will occur at approximately 10 p.m., according to the applications.
Permits were approved for the Clintonwood Park display, sponsored by the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce and the township parks and recreation department; Lake Oakland, sponsored by the Clarkston American Legion; and the DTE Energy Music Theater in conjunction with the Smokey Robinson concert.
The simultaneous displays represent a change from previous years, according to Oakland County Sheriff Lt. Dale LaBair, commander of the Independence substation.
‘They don’t usually go at the same time,? LaBair said in response to a trustee’s question. ‘It creates a traffic nightmare, but nothing we can’t get around.?
LaBair said a previous problem was created when people leaving Clintonwood Park would stop to view the DTE show. That has been solved by directing traffic more to the south, he said.
Personnel is not a problem, as ample deputies have already been scheduled for the holiday, LaBair said. In addition, a memo from the Independence Township Fire Department said they will provide standby service for all three events.
Viewing the applications, which include details on the size and number of aerial shells planned for each show, Trustee Daniel Travis said it appears that the Clintonwood Park event will have twice as many as the other offerings.
‘We have bigger and better,? Travis said.