Wallingford 4th Of July Fireworks: Weather Forecast, Parking Info

WALLINGFORD, CT — Wallingford’s annual fireworks display is scheduled to be held near the grounds of Sheehan High School, 142 Hope Hill Rd., on Saturday, July 6, with a start time of approximately 9 p.m. The National Weather Service is calling for the threat of isolated strong to severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon into evening. The weather service is predicting “strong to damaging wind gusts and flash flooding” to be the main threats, according to a Hazardous Weather Outlook that was issued Friday.

There is no rain date for the fireworks display. The decision to cancel the display will be made by 5 p.m. on Saturday, according to Wallingford Police. Officials told the Meriden Record-Journal that they are hoping for the best that the show will go on. The ultimate decision on whether or not to cancel the fireworks will ultimately be made by the vendor, according to the Record-Journal. (UPDATE: The fireworks are still scheduled for 9 p.m. and officials are continuing to monitor the weather, according to police).

Public parking for the event will be available at Moran Middle School, Sheehan High School, Highland Elementary School, and in the paved parking lot of Our Lady of Fatima Church. Parking in fire lanes, on sidewalks, or on the grass is prohibited, according to police.

Police say there will be no parking along Hope Hill Road and some of the side streets where posted. Through traffic on Hope Hill Road will be prohibited when all available parking lots are full, or at 8:30 p.m., whichever comes first.

The fireworks will be visible from the grounds of any of the schools where public parking is available. Spectators should plan to arrive early; well in advance of dusk is strongly recommended.

"Given the size of the crowd and the close proximity of spectators, the use of any type of fireworks, including the use of sparklers, is prohibited on any Town property," Lt. Anthony DeMaio wrote in a press release. "Please note that alcoholic beverages are also prohibited. In addition, the police department routinely receives complaints about the use of silly string and snappers by children in the crowd. Accordingly, we are requesting that parents supervise their children's activities so that the fireworks display remains an enjoyable family event.

"At the conclusion of the event, there will be two northbound lanes of traffic on Hope Hill Road from the northern-most driveways of Sheehan High School and Moran Middle School to Rt. 68. There will be two southbound lanes on Hope Hill Road from the southern-most driveways of Sheehan High School and Moran Middle School to the intersection of Parker Farms Road. Officers will be on site directing traffic throughout the event."