Blue Springs annual fireworks at Peve Stadium Blue Springs has announced the return of the annual fireworks program at Blue Springs High School at Peve Stadium, 2000 N.W. Ashton Dr. The fireworks display will be July 4. Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. and there will be live entertainment from 8 to 9:30 p.m. The fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m. Concessions will also be available. In case of inclement weather, the event will be July 5.</p><p>Independence Day at Missouri Town 1855 Jackson County Parks and Recreation’s Missouri Town 1855 will present its annual Independence Day Celebration. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., July 4. There will be games for children to participate in as they learn about the history of Independence Day with costumed re-enactors. The whole family can join them in the annual July 4 parade through town. Missouri Town is located on the east side of Lake Jacomo at 8010 E. Park Rd. For more information, visit the website at www.jacksongov.org/missouritown.</p><p>Be a Good Neighbor</p><p>In an effort to help keep families safe this Independence Day holiday, the city of Blue Springs and the Blue Springs Police Department continues its “Be a Good Neighbor” fireworks education campaign for the 2010 fireworks season.</p><p>The campaign is designed to help build resident awareness of fireworks safety and to educate community members about city rules and regulations regarding fireworks. Additionally, a primary goal for the 2010 “Be a Good Neighbor” fireworks education campaign is to emphasize the assertive police enforcement that will take place prior to and during the Fourth of July holiday. </p><p>“Our goal this year is to make sure residents are not only enjoying the liberty of discharging fireworks in Blue Springs, but are doing so in consideration for others and within the limitations of city law,” said Police Chief Wayne McCoy. </p><p>This year’s campaign focuses on three major components, - Be Legal, Think Safe and Play Smart - reminding residents about the need to exercise good decision making when participating in fireworks activities.</p><p>“Be Legal” encourages residents to observe the proper times fireworks are legally allowed to be discharged within Blue Springs city limits. This year, these dates and times are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., July 1-3 and 10 a.m. to midnight, July 4. Blue Springs Police officers will also exercise increased street patrol and law enforcement measures during these times to make sure citizens are complying with the regulations provisioned by the city’s fireworks ordinance. To report fireworks violations, call 816-228-0151 or Text-A-Tip by texting “BSPD” plus your message to Crimes (274637).</p><p>Think Safe reminds residents to use city-approved fireworks only. These fireworks include those sold by 18 licensed nonprofit organizations in Blue Springs only. Bottle rockets are prohibited by the city. A list of these organizations can be obtained from the Blue Springs Tax Department at city hall or on the city website at www.bluespringsgov.com/fireworks. </p><p>“Play Smart” encourages residents and their family members to have fun, but be safe when discharging or detonating fireworks. </p><p>“An adult should be present when fireworks are discharged, and people should avoid discharging fireworks in dry areas and around or near pets and animals,” McCoy said. </p><p>Residents are also asked to be mindful of neighbors, surrounding buildings or structures, to dispose of all debris after discharging fireworks and to use proper first aid or burn care in case of an emergency. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. </p><p>The “Be a Good Neighbor” fireworks education campaign was launched June 24, and more than 20,000 postcards with a message from Mayor Carson Ross were distributed households in Blue Springs. The mayor’s message represents the official declaration of this year’s campaign in which he asks for residents’ help to “keep the Blue Springs community operating as a safe, clean and enjoyable place to live and celebrate.”</p><p>Additional fliers will be distributed to approved fireworks retailers, city libraries, neighboring businesses and patrons of city hall. </p><p>For more information, visit www.bluespringsgov.com/fireworks. </p><p>Fireworks Safety</p><p>The usage and discharge of fireworks are allowed all communities protected by the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District: Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapewingo, and some unincorporated Jackson County. The Heart of America Metro Fire Chiefs Council offers the following safety tips:</p><p>• Purchase fireworks from reliable sources, never discharge homemade or illegal fireworks.</p><p>• Have a responsible adult in charge and never give fireworks to children.</p><p>• Prepare a safe environment outdoors for shooting off fireworks by selecting an area clear of other fireworks, combustible materials like dried wood or grass, buildings, and other people.</p><p>• Have water readily available such as a garden hose and a bucket of water.</p><p>• Always read and follow label directions for the safe discharge of fireworks. Fireworks users should wear tight clothing to avoid accidental contact with sparks and use eye protection when handling and lighting fireworks.</p><p>• Light fireworks one at a time and wait until it discharges, never attempt to re-light a device that did not discharge the first time it was lit.</p><p>• Never carry fireworks in your pocket; they may ignite due to sparks and cause injury.</p><p>• Do not throw or point fireworks at people or animals. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers</p><p>• Dispose of spent fireworks properly when you are done by soaking them in water before putting them in a trash can</p><p>For more tips and information, contact CJC fire or visit www.fireworksafety.com.