Since the COVID pandemic, the city of Lafayette has been without a fireworks celebration for Independence Day. Last year the city allowed Councilman Dale Hix to put on a fireworks display at the Winding Stairs area.
“Last year it was a rushed thing, and many people didn’t know it was going to happen,†Lafayette Mayor Tony Day said. “Despite the short notice, we had a big turnout. “Dale Hix has done fireworks over at his house for the last several years. Someone didn’t want him to do them over there, so he contacted me either the third or the fourth and asked if he could do it over at the Winding Stairs, and I didn’t have a problem with that at all.â€
This year, Day says that they expect a much bigger turnout.
“Dale is supplying the fireworks again this year; there will be some food trucks, and a bouncy house and a water slide lined up,†Day said. “We also have some music that will be on site as well.â€
Parking shouldn’t be an issue, according to Day.
“Steve (Macon County Mayor Steve Jones) said that we can use the administration building parking lot, and people are allowed to park at the pond and at the cabin and trail head parking lot as well as along the roadway as long as they leave enough room for traffic,†Day said. “Once the new health department is built, people will also be able to park there. This won’t cost the city any money so everybody wins, and Lafayette can have a fireworks show once again without people having to go out of town.â€
Day said that there are more plans in store for the Winding Stairs.
“We are looking at Blue Cross/Blue Shield grants,†said Day. These grants will allow us to build a pickle ball court, splash pad, playground and those types of things for the public to enjoy. I have arranged to have temporary port o potty’s put into place until bathrooms can be built.â€
Day explains that he hears the people and things they want in the community and that it just takes time to do it right.
“The last thing anyone wants is more taxes,†said Day. “Although taxes are a part of life and essential to the economy of a community, we try our very best to avoid them whenever we can. Applying for grants and waiting for them with some patience is the best way to avoid taxes going up more than we need them to. These projects can be funded with grant money and we look forward to seeing them come to light in the future.â€
Day also wanted to add things to look forward to at Key Park.
“The bandstand has been needing attention for a long time,†said Day. “We plan on redoing the pavilion for next year, I think the public will enjoy having new additions to our town and we really want to make Lafayette beautiful and something to be proud of.â€
The fireworks show begins at dark at the Winding Stairs area with lots of activities available during the day. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate our nation’s independence.
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