Fireworks canceled at race track

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by Eric Marotta

Editor

Area residents may have to drive a bit further to see a fireworks show this weekend, as neither the city of Macedonia nor Northfield Park will host events of their own this year.

While Macedonia's annual show ended in 2006, Northfield Park spokesperson Keith Gisser said the race track has decided this year to cancel the late-night show it has hosted regularly for many years.

Though economic considerations were a major consideration, Gisser said 11:30 p.m. -- just after the last race of the evening -- was not the best time to host the display.

"With the kids, it's not the greatest situation," Gisser said.

Council Vice President Peggy Spraggins said the budget for fireworks in the past was paid for by the Home Days Committee, which solicited donations from area businesses and generated proceeds from the annual summer festival. However, the committee was disbanded in 2006 by Mayor Don Kuchta, and a smaller festival has been conducted since then.

Kuchta was not available for comment for this story.

Spraggins said she doesn't see the city coming up with cash for an explosive holiday display any time soon.

"The city has to be very frugal with its money," she said June 30.

Locally, fireworks displays will be hosted by the cities of Solon and Bainbridge on July 4, in Hudson, Aurora and Kent on July 5 and in Bedford July 6. (For more info, see Page 38)

Police to patrol for firecrackers, rockets

For those who wish to put on home displays, local law enforcement officials say they will be on the lookout for illegal fireworks. In Ohio, only "trick" or "novelty" fireworks such as smoke bombs, sparklers, snaps and glow snakes may legally be set off.

Fireworks that cannot legally be used in Ohio by non-licensed individuals include firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles and fountains. Known as "consumer fireworks," the state allows their sale by a total of 47 licensed manufacturers and wholesalers, but customers must sign an affidavit certifying they will use the fireworks out of state.

Falsifying the affidavit, failing to take the fireworks out of state within 48 hours, or discharging the fireworks inside Ohio is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, according to the state fire marshal's office.

In Northfield Village, Mayor Victor Milani said there will be "zero tolerance" for illegal fireworks.

"If we catch them, we'll confiscate them," he said.

Lt. Dave Hills of the Summit County Sheriff's Office said deputies will respond to every call for fireworks, but typically give warnings if they can locate offenders.

"We're going to be very, very busy, but we'll respond to all calls," he said, adding police often have trouble tracking down the perpetrators. "As soon as they see the headlights come down the street, they scatter."

E-mail: emarotta@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3171