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Showing posts with label July 4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label July 4. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
The New York State Police enforcement for the holiday resulted in 10,759 tickets during the campaign, which began on Friday and continued through Monday.
During the crackdown, State Police targeted impaired drivers and distracted driving, speeding, move over violations and motorists who were not buckled up.
Of the tickets issued, 4,523 were for speeding, 621 child restraint and seatbelt violations, 186 move over tickets, and 310 for distracted driving. Troopers arrested 198 people for DWI during this crackdown. Troopers conducted sobriety checkpoints and more than 12,885 vehicles passed through. Seventeen of the motorists stopped were arrested for DWI, 205 were arrested for other violations.
Troopers investigated a total of 722 accidents, compared to last year’s 661. In these crashes, 198 people were injured, and two people were killed.
news@eastniagarapost.com
During the crackdown, State Police targeted impaired drivers and distracted driving, speeding, move over violations and motorists who were not buckled up.
Of the tickets issued, 4,523 were for speeding, 621 child restraint and seatbelt violations, 186 move over tickets, and 310 for distracted driving. Troopers arrested 198 people for DWI during this crackdown. Troopers conducted sobriety checkpoints and more than 12,885 vehicles passed through. Seventeen of the motorists stopped were arrested for DWI, 205 were arrested for other violations.
Troopers investigated a total of 722 accidents, compared to last year’s 661. In these crashes, 198 people were injured, and two people were killed.
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Sunday, July 5, 2015
 |
| Lockport tripped the lights fantastic Saturday night with a fireworks display at Outwater Park. (HEATHER N. GRIMMER / ENP PHOTOGRAPHER) |
By +Scott Leffler
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
 |
The grand finale is always everybody's favorite part. (SCOTT LEFFLER /
ENP STAFF)
|
The city's annual fireworks spectacular, which lit the skies over the city's north end, started with a boom at around 9:45 p.m. and ended in much the same manner.
Red, white, blue — and every other color — shot forth from the area between North Park Middle School and the Outwater Park baseball diamond, lighting the sky and causing spectators to gaze upward.
Many in attendance said the fireworks were better than ever. Others aren't so easily impressed.
The crowd was notably smaller than in previous years. But many of those in attendance arrived early and took part in games or activities in the park. Several gorged themselves on fried dough and ice cream from food vendors at the park.
Earlier in the day, a Family Fun Day was held with free games and bounce houses for the kids. The event, part of the city's nine-day-long Sesquicentennial Celebration, was well attended.
 |
| Scores of people came to Family Fun Day at Outwater Park Saturday afternoon for free games and bounce houses. (ENP STAFF PHOTO) |
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Saturday, July 4, 2015
By +Scott Leffler
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
Despite a professionally run fireworks show taking place in front of them, some attendees to tonight's City of Lockport fireworks at Outwater Park felt they needed to supplement the $7,500 show by setting off fireworks of their own. It nearly ended in disaster.
As the official fireworks display neared its grand finale, some fireworks being set off by an attendee accidentally exploded on the ground in a crowd of people, scaring those nearby, but not causing any serious injury.
Lockport police officers responded to the scene immediately, first ensuring that no one was injured and then searching for whoever set off the fireworks — unsuccessfully.
Someone in the crowd could be heard yelling, "they shouldn't have been made legal."
Police attended to some other matters at Outwater Park, including one woman who was too intoxicated to stand on her own — but no charges were filed as of when the crowd began to disburse.
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
As the official fireworks display neared its grand finale, some fireworks being set off by an attendee accidentally exploded on the ground in a crowd of people, scaring those nearby, but not causing any serious injury.
Lockport police officers responded to the scene immediately, first ensuring that no one was injured and then searching for whoever set off the fireworks — unsuccessfully.
Someone in the crowd could be heard yelling, "they shouldn't have been made legal."
Police attended to some other matters at Outwater Park, including one woman who was too intoxicated to stand on her own — but no charges were filed as of when the crowd began to disburse.
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 |
| The B. Leo Dolan Color Guard kicks off Friday's Independence Day parade in Lockport. There were 52 units this year — 12 more than last year. (ENP STAFF PHOTO) |
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
Lockportians enjoyed a free concert Friday night. (SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP
STAFF)
|
Friday afternoon, kids from the Lockport YMCA put on a parade. Dressed in red, white and blue, they marched in front of the East Avenue facility.
In the evening, Locust Street was lined with spectators watching as the city's Independence Day parade rolled by. Fifty-two units from Lockport and beyond took part in the parade, leading people north towards Walnut Street, where even more people gathered for a free concert on Elm Street.
Later still, Olcott hosted its annual fireworks spectacular at Krull Park.
Today, the festivities include a Family Fun Day at Outwater Park from noon to 3 p.m. and a Patriot's Parade in Olcott beginning at noon. Fireworks will also be displayed at dusk in both Lockport and Royalton, where they will be preceded by a parade at 6 p.m.
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| Kids from the Lockport Family YMCA celebrate America. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO) |
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Friday, July 3, 2015
By +Scott Leffler
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
There's no lack of activities around East Niagara for the Independence Day weekend. There's three parades, three sets of fireworks and more to enjoy today and Saturday. Plus the Taste of Lockport and Guinness World Records attempt on Sunday.
Lockport
Lockport's Independence Day Parade will be held at 6 p.m. The parade route will start at the Lockport High School and travel down Locust Street to the City Center. Parade officials expect 52 units, about a dozen more than last year.
Following the parade, Lockort will be treated to the City of Lockport All-Star Jam at 7 p.m. on Elm Street. The free concert offers a beer tent and food vendors available.
Saturday, a Family Fun Day is planned from noon to 3 p.m. at Outwater Park. Part of the city's Sesquicentennial Celebration, the afternoon celebration features free games and bounce houses for the kids. Food vendors will also be on hand. The city's fireworks display will once again be at Outwater Park. The fireworks will be shot off from North Park Junior High School beginning around dusk on Saturday.
The festivities continue on Sunday with the 15th Annual Taste of Lockport at Ida Fritz Park and along Main Street. Taking place from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., attendees will want to be sure to get there for the Guinness World Record attempt at 4:11 p.m. (be there by 3 p.m. to register). The event is two hours longer this year and has more vendors that in past years.
Newfane
The patriotic fun begins tonight in Olcott with Newfane's annual fireworks over Lake Ontario beginning at 10 p.m. with fireworks being shot off the west pier.
The light spectacular is best viewed from Lake Ontario Shoreline, Krull Park, and Olcott. The mirror image of the fireworks against the waters double the visual pleasure of this show. Boats sailing and motoring along the lake only add to the visual effect.
Saturday brings the annual Patriot's Parade, also in Olcott. The town suggests that you dress up in red, white and blue and decorate your bikes and wagons. Meet at Krull Park overlook in the north park by noon and march to Olcott Beach Carousel Park.
Royalton
Royalton's festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday with the annual parade starting at the Hartland Bible Church. The parade route will travel east on West Avenue, south on Main Street, east on Park Avenue, north on Central Avenue, east on Maplewood Avenue, north on Mack Avenue, west on East Avenue, north on Central Avenue, then west on State Street back to the church.
That will leave plenty of time to get to Royalton Ravine Park before the 10 p.m. fireworks, which you might want to do with all the festivities planned for the park. For those who don't want to fight for parking, buses will run from Terry's Corners Fire Hall and Gasport Fire Hall at 7 p.m. Once at the park, there are food vendors beginning at 7, a children's movie at 7:30, and music from 23 Ski Doo (7 p.m.) and Jonesie & The Firecrackers at 8 p.m.
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Thursday, July 2, 2015
By +Scott Leffler
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
If you're holding a nine-day long birthday party, it might stand to reason that other "ordinary" celebrations might be larger, as well.
Such is the case this year with Lockport's Independence Day parade and fireworks.
This year's parade, which starts at 6 p.m. Friday, has 52 units scheduled — a dozen more than last year's parade. While oftentimes, larger parade units charge a fee or stipend for their participation, this year's parade is being put on without costing the city a dime.
The parade will travel north on Locust Street from Lockport High School to Walnut Street, ending at the location of the City of Lockport All Star Jam, a concert being put on by the Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee thanks to a grant from the Grigg-Lewis Foundation. The 7 p.m. concert, actually to be located on Elm Street, will have food vendors and a beer tent.
Saturday, the city will follow up the parade and concert with a Family Fun Day at Outwater Park from noon to 3 p.m. featuring bounce houses, games and food, all before the annual fireworks display at dusk.
The fireworks will be bigger this year, as well. The display will offer 10 percent more bang for the buck — literally. The $7,500 cost, however, remains the same as last year.
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
 |
Lockport's fireworks will be 10 percent bigger this year. (ENP FILE PHOTO
BY HEATHER N. GRIMMER)
|
Such is the case this year with Lockport's Independence Day parade and fireworks.
This year's parade, which starts at 6 p.m. Friday, has 52 units scheduled — a dozen more than last year's parade. While oftentimes, larger parade units charge a fee or stipend for their participation, this year's parade is being put on without costing the city a dime.
The parade will travel north on Locust Street from Lockport High School to Walnut Street, ending at the location of the City of Lockport All Star Jam, a concert being put on by the Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee thanks to a grant from the Grigg-Lewis Foundation. The 7 p.m. concert, actually to be located on Elm Street, will have food vendors and a beer tent.
Saturday, the city will follow up the parade and concert with a Family Fun Day at Outwater Park from noon to 3 p.m. featuring bounce houses, games and food, all before the annual fireworks display at dusk.
The fireworks will be bigger this year, as well. The display will offer 10 percent more bang for the buck — literally. The $7,500 cost, however, remains the same as last year.
Get breaking news delivered.
with the ENP Mobile app for Android.
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
The New York State Police and local law enforcement will increase patrols to crack down on drivers who violate the law this Fourth of July weekend from Friday through Monday.
“The Fourth of July is known for its fun and fireworks, but New Yorkers should also remember it can also be fatal if they don’t make the right decision," said New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico. "Our Troopers will be out to identify and arrest any motorist who is driving drunk or impaired. Be safe this holiday weekend, allow plenty of time to travel, put down your cell phones and don’t get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.”
Last year, the New York State Police issued more than 10,200 vehicle and traffic tickets during the 4th of July weekend. Troopers arrested more than 180 people for DWI and responded to more than 650 accidents, two of which resulted in fatalities.
During the enforcement, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols. Troopers will also be targeting the illegal sale of alcohol to minors.
Law enforcement will also be looking for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. Drivers should also remember to “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road when they travel New York roadways.
During the campaign, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
Data shows that the Fourth of July holiday period is especially deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the July 4th period in 2013, there were 512 people killed in crashes, of those 199 (39%) had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.
This campaigns serves as a reminder to New Yorkers that driving drunk not only puts lives at risk, but that those who drive drunk could face arrest, jail time, and substantial fines and attorney fees. The average drinking and driving arrest costs up to $10,000.
Arrested drunk drivers face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, lost time at work, etc.
The New York State Police and NHTSA recommend these simple tips to prevent drunk driving:
This targeted enforcement effort is funded by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and STOP-DWI, a comprehensive and financially self-sustaining highway safety program that allows participating counties to qualify for the return of all fines collected for alcohol and other drug-related traffic offenses.
The New York State Police will also be partnering with the Ontario Provincial Police, Niagara Regional Police, and the Surete du Quebec in the Safety Without Borders Initiative. This initiative is an effort to mitigate safety threats resulting from high traffic volumes in the vacation areas on both sides of the borders in the greater Niagara Region, the Thousand Islands, and the St. Lawrence Montreal Gateway. Safety Without Borders has proven effective in mitigating traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths.
news@eastniagarapost.com
“The Fourth of July is known for its fun and fireworks, but New Yorkers should also remember it can also be fatal if they don’t make the right decision," said New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico. "Our Troopers will be out to identify and arrest any motorist who is driving drunk or impaired. Be safe this holiday weekend, allow plenty of time to travel, put down your cell phones and don’t get behind the wheel if you have been drinking.”
Last year, the New York State Police issued more than 10,200 vehicle and traffic tickets during the 4th of July weekend. Troopers arrested more than 180 people for DWI and responded to more than 650 accidents, two of which resulted in fatalities.
During the enforcement, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols. Troopers will also be targeting the illegal sale of alcohol to minors.
Law enforcement will also be looking for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. Drivers should also remember to “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road when they travel New York roadways.
During the campaign, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
Data shows that the Fourth of July holiday period is especially deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the July 4th period in 2013, there were 512 people killed in crashes, of those 199 (39%) had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.
This campaigns serves as a reminder to New Yorkers that driving drunk not only puts lives at risk, but that those who drive drunk could face arrest, jail time, and substantial fines and attorney fees. The average drinking and driving arrest costs up to $10,000.
Arrested drunk drivers face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of unanticipated expenses from attorney fees, fines and court costs, car towing and repairs, lost time at work, etc.
The New York State Police and NHTSA recommend these simple tips to prevent drunk driving:
- Plan a safe way home before the fun begins;
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
- Use your community’s sober ride program;
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement;
- If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
This targeted enforcement effort is funded by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and STOP-DWI, a comprehensive and financially self-sustaining highway safety program that allows participating counties to qualify for the return of all fines collected for alcohol and other drug-related traffic offenses.
The New York State Police will also be partnering with the Ontario Provincial Police, Niagara Regional Police, and the Surete du Quebec in the Safety Without Borders Initiative. This initiative is an effort to mitigate safety threats resulting from high traffic volumes in the vacation areas on both sides of the borders in the greater Niagara Region, the Thousand Islands, and the St. Lawrence Montreal Gateway. Safety Without Borders has proven effective in mitigating traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths.
Get breaking news delivered.
with the ENP Mobile app for Android.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
AAA forecasts 41.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday, the most since 2007 and a 0.7 percent increase from the 41.6 million people who traveled last year. The Independence holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday to Sunday.
“With school out for the summer, it’s common that the July 4th weekend is the busiest time for summer travel,” according to Jim Lehman, President, AAA East Central. “Gas prices also play a role in the amount of people packing up their cars and driving to their holiday destinations,” he added.
Highlights from 2015 AAA National Independence Day Holiday Travel Forecast include:
“The Fourth of July is typically a family-oriented holiday,” Lehman explained. “It is the perfect time to make vacation memories and enjoy a recess from the responsibilities of work and school. This year, Orlando, Myrtle Beach and Los Angeles are very popular getaways,” he added.
news@eastniagarapost.com
“With school out for the summer, it’s common that the July 4th weekend is the busiest time for summer travel,” according to Jim Lehman, President, AAA East Central. “Gas prices also play a role in the amount of people packing up their cars and driving to their holiday destinations,” he added.
Highlights from 2015 AAA National Independence Day Holiday Travel Forecast include:
- Independence Day holiday travelers total 41.9 million, a increase of 0.7 percent from the 41.6 million who traveled last year
- 35.5 million travelers are expected to drive this holiday period, an increase of 0.7 percent from 2014
- Holiday air travel expected to increase 1.5 percent to 3.21 million
- The 41.9 million travelers expected to take to the roads, skies, rails and water is the highest since 2007 and 8.9 percent above the holiday average since 2000
- Gas prices have averaged $2.76 in June, and as of June 17, were $0.86 per gallon below last year. Most drivers should pay the lowest gas prices for the holiday in at least five years
“The Fourth of July is typically a family-oriented holiday,” Lehman explained. “It is the perfect time to make vacation memories and enjoy a recess from the responsibilities of work and school. This year, Orlando, Myrtle Beach and Los Angeles are very popular getaways,” he added.
Get breaking news delivered.
with the ENP Mobile app for Android.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
By +Scott Leffler
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
The Lockport Sesquicentennial Committee is planning a carnival at Outwater Park on July 4.
The three-hour carnival, geared towards families, will include food, games and a bounce house, according to Sesquicentennial Committee member Maria Updegraph.
The committee is planning to offer cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn at reasonable rates and is looking for a Lockport-area service group interested in providing hamburgers and hotdogs as a fundraiser — with the service group keeping the profits.
There will also be a dunk tank, a bounce house, sack races, a duck pond game, watermelon eating contest and more.
The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m., giving families time to rest before the big July 4 fireworks, also at Outwater Park.
Another event being planned during the nine-day birthday celebration is a water balloon fight on July 1 at Altro Park. The free-for-all will be broken into age groups with kids aged 5-8, 9-12, and 13-16 “fighting” at 3 p.m. and then everyone age 17 and up having their turn at 3:30 p.m.
Both events are part of 150 events being planned during the city’s sesquicentennial celebration. Others include the annual downtown Arts & Crafts festival, Taste of Lockport, the Independence Day parade, Lockport Restaurants Days, concerts, crafts, sporting events, and more. For a list of the events confirmed so far, visit Lockport150.com.
More event announcements are forthcoming. The committee is also still looking for other businesses or community groups to add their own events. Events can be added online at Lockport150.com.
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
The Lockport Sesquicentennial Committee is planning a carnival at Outwater Park on July 4.
The committee is planning to offer cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn at reasonable rates and is looking for a Lockport-area service group interested in providing hamburgers and hotdogs as a fundraiser — with the service group keeping the profits.
There will also be a dunk tank, a bounce house, sack races, a duck pond game, watermelon eating contest and more.
The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m., giving families time to rest before the big July 4 fireworks, also at Outwater Park.
Another event being planned during the nine-day birthday celebration is a water balloon fight on July 1 at Altro Park. The free-for-all will be broken into age groups with kids aged 5-8, 9-12, and 13-16 “fighting” at 3 p.m. and then everyone age 17 and up having their turn at 3:30 p.m.
Both events are part of 150 events being planned during the city’s sesquicentennial celebration. Others include the annual downtown Arts & Crafts festival, Taste of Lockport, the Independence Day parade, Lockport Restaurants Days, concerts, crafts, sporting events, and more. For a list of the events confirmed so far, visit Lockport150.com.
More event announcements are forthcoming. The committee is also still looking for other businesses or community groups to add their own events. Events can be added online at Lockport150.com.
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with the ENP Mobile app for Android.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
 |
| (HEATHER N. GRIMMER / CONTRIBUTOR) |
news@eastniagarapost.com
Lockportians and out-of-towners alike gathered in the city's west end for the city's annual fireworks show tonight at Outwater Park.
Officially the city's fireworks are over, having been shot off shortly before 10 p.m. from North Park Junior High School. The $7,500 spectacle offered five percent more fireworks than last year, as part of a three-year-deal with Young Explosives.
Unofficially, it would seem that fireworks are an all-night roving show that takes place in every corner of the city.
The Town of Royalton also held their fireworks tonight at Royalton Ravine Park, with a parade and music leading up to the show.
Friday, July 4, 2014
 |
| Fireworks are set off to the delight of thousands at Olcott Beach. (PHOTOS BY HEATHER N. GRIMMER / CONTRIBUTOR) |
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
With thousands of people lining the shores of Olcott Beach, the spectacular show started around 10 p.m., drawing oohs and aahs from the crowd of spectators, wrapped in blankets on a very chilly July night.
Before the show began, kids played in Krull Park, couples strolled the boardwalk, and vendors hawked glow-in-the-dark everything to the delight of kids and the chagrin of moms' and dads' wallets.
Independence Day celebrations continue in Olcott with a Patriot's Parade today at noon. More fireworks are set to be displayed for viewing in Lockport and Royalton.
More fireworks photos are available by clicking here.
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| The B Leo Dolan Color Guard starts Thursday's Independence Day Parade in Lockport. (PHOTOS BY HEATHER N. GRIMMER / CONTRIBUTOR) |
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
Police Chief Larry Eggert and Community Police Aide Mark
Sanders make their way down the parade route.
|
The parade consisted of more than 40 units — including a balloon — and took over an hour to complete.
Long-time participants were all in attendance, including elected officials, fire trucks, and dance troupes. But this year even more got into the act.
The weather seemed to pause just for the parade as well, as a light rain stopped just as the parade units left Lockport High School around 6 p.m. and then resumed around 7:15 p.m. as the parade concluded at Walnut and Locust streets.
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| Prudden & Kandt's horse-drawn hearse is always impressive. |
There's more photos of the Lockport Independence Day Parade here.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
The New York State Police will increase DWI and distracted driving patrols during this 4th of July weekend. The crackdown, which began today and runs through Sunday, comes with a warning to motorists on the severe penalties and dangers of DWI and distracted driving.
New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said, “The Fourth of July is known for its fun and fireworks, but New Yorkers should also remember it can also be fatal if they don’t make the right decision. Remember to put down the phone, drive sober, follow the rules of the road and enjoy your time with family and friends.”
In an effort to prevent tragedies caused by impaired, distracted, aggressive or reckless driving, the New York State Police will once again initiate special traffic enforcement efforts during the holiday weekend. During the enforcement, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols and underage drinking and sales to minors’ details during the campaign. Drivers should also remember to put down their electronic devices and also “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road when they travel New York roadways.
During the campaign, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. These vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
Last year, the New York State Police issued more than 10,000 vehicle and traffic tickets during the 4th of July weekend. That’s compared to just over 3,200 in 2012. On 4th of July weekend in 2013 alone, Troopers ticketed 2,000 more speeders, and made 100 more DWI arrests than in 2012.
The New York State Police and NHTSA recommend these simple tips to prevent drunk driving:
• Plan a safe way home before the fun begins;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• Use your community’s sober ride program;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement;
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
East Niagara Post is now on FourSquare. Add us as a friend to see where we're at.
news@eastniagarapost.com
New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said, “The Fourth of July is known for its fun and fireworks, but New Yorkers should also remember it can also be fatal if they don’t make the right decision. Remember to put down the phone, drive sober, follow the rules of the road and enjoy your time with family and friends.”
In an effort to prevent tragedies caused by impaired, distracted, aggressive or reckless driving, the New York State Police will once again initiate special traffic enforcement efforts during the holiday weekend. During the enforcement, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols and underage drinking and sales to minors’ details during the campaign. Drivers should also remember to put down their electronic devices and also “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road when they travel New York roadways.
During the campaign, Troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. These vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with every day traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.
Last year, the New York State Police issued more than 10,000 vehicle and traffic tickets during the 4th of July weekend. That’s compared to just over 3,200 in 2012. On 4th of July weekend in 2013 alone, Troopers ticketed 2,000 more speeders, and made 100 more DWI arrests than in 2012.
The New York State Police and NHTSA recommend these simple tips to prevent drunk driving:
• Plan a safe way home before the fun begins;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• Use your community’s sober ride program;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement;
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
City officials said the city's fireworks display — to be held Friday at Outwater Park — will be bigger this year than it was last year. The Independence Day Parade will be bigger as well.
Mayor Anne McCaffrey said the fireworks deal with Young Explosives will cost $7,500 — the same as in 2013 — but will come with 5 percent more bang for the buck as part of the three-year deal.
McCaffrey noted that there have been rumors that the city wouldn't have fireworks this year and wanted to dispel them during the meeting of the Common Council, held this evening in City Hall.
City Clerk Richelle Pasceri added that the parade this year will be larger than last year as well, with 40 organizations signed up to participate in the annual march from Lockport High School to the Ulrich City Center.
Fireworks will be Friday at dusk, while the parade will be held Thursday at 6 p.m.
For a full list of East Niagara Independence Day events, click here.
East Niagara Post is now on FourSquare. Add us as a friend to see where we're at.
news@eastniagarapost.com
City officials said the city's fireworks display — to be held Friday at Outwater Park — will be bigger this year than it was last year. The Independence Day Parade will be bigger as well.
Mayor Anne McCaffrey said the fireworks deal with Young Explosives will cost $7,500 — the same as in 2013 — but will come with 5 percent more bang for the buck as part of the three-year deal.
McCaffrey noted that there have been rumors that the city wouldn't have fireworks this year and wanted to dispel them during the meeting of the Common Council, held this evening in City Hall.
City Clerk Richelle Pasceri added that the parade this year will be larger than last year as well, with 40 organizations signed up to participate in the annual march from Lockport High School to the Ulrich City Center.
Fireworks will be Friday at dusk, while the parade will be held Thursday at 6 p.m.
For a full list of East Niagara Independence Day events, click here.
The significance of the Fourth of July in the history of our country is never lost on me. I respect and appreciate the sacrifices that our founding fathers made and the peril they put themselves in by signing the Declaration of Independence.
I can also understand why we shoot off fireworks to celebrate the anniversary of our declaration of being an independent country. The sounds of the fireworks remind us of the battles that were fought for our freedom and the colors represent the excitement that comes with being the good ol’ U S of A.
Trust me, when it comes to being a proud American around the Fourth of July, I totally get it. What I don’t get, or appreciate, is why some people feel the need to blow off fireworks in densely populated areas of our city. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate our freedom as much as anybody. But I do not appreciate the inconsiderate jerks who feel like they are the only people who live in their neighborhoods.
In my life as a home owning adult, I have never called the cops on people shooting off fireworks in my densely populated neighborhood. This despite the fact that, each July 5th morning, I find empty rocket shells in my front yard. I even found a couple of dud bottle rockets jammed in the shingles of my house one year. Had they not been duds…
I have never called the cops on Fourth of July revelers, but that changes this year. I know that the police will probably not come because they are way too busy on the Fourth, but I will be calling this year. Why? Well, for one thing, I am a grumpy old man who hates other people. But that is not the only reason.
Like I said, I live in a densely populated area. What type of mental midget decides that it is safe, or even fair, to blow off rockets in an area where there are houses all around? What kind of idiot determines that it is okay to blow off extremely loud fireworks at 11:00 p.m.? Our neighborhood is starting to fill up with more kids and these kids sleep at night. I am also pretty sure that there are people in my neighborhood who have to get up for work on the morning of July 5th. I live with one such person and she has a hard enough time sleeping as it is.
So let me address the people who like to blow off fireworks in densely populated areas on the Fourth of July directly . . .
You weak-minded piece of human garbage. Who the hell do you think you are? My family loves celebrating Christmas. What if we stood outside your door and rang loud jingle bells all Christmas Eve? How about we build a frigging sleigh and land it on your roof? It’s okay, right? I mean, who cares?
If you absolutely have to blow off fireworks on the Fourth of July, which I totally understand, then shoot them out over the canal. Why don’t you go to one of the many parks we have in the city and shoot off your frigging property destroying noise makers there? You are a prime example of the worst kind of neighbor and the kind of person that should have their newspaper tied to a rock and thrown through their front window every morning.
This year, I am encouraging everyone to call the cops on neighborhood fireworks morons. If the cops do not show up (which, once again, you really cannot blame them on the Fourth of July) then the neighborhood should band together and shut these lowlifes down.
If you still think that blowing off fireworks in a neighborhood at night is a stupid thing to complain about, I once again encourage you to think about how you would like it if I blew off fireworks in the neighborhood on New Year’s Eve. Maybe you will wake up with a bottle rocket wedged in your roof and thank God that your frigging house did not burn down.
Don’t be that person. Don’t be the simple-minded cretin who thinks that they are the only people in the neighborhood who matters. Be considerate of the rest of your neighbors and take your fireworks someplace else.
This Fourth of July, celebrate like a proud American and not like a Neanderthal. Be considerate and keep your fireworks out of our neighborhoods.
Nick Oliver is a Niagara County resident who does not want to see his house burned down by Neanderthals. Be safe this Fourth of July and Go USA!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
ENP STAFF REPORTSnews@eastniagarapost.com
Lockport
Lockport's Independence Day Parade will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. The parade route will start at the Lockport High School and travel down Locust Street to the City Center.According to City Clerk Richelle Pasceri, the parade is expected to have the highest participation ever.
The city's fireworks display will once again be at Outwater Park. The fireworks will be shot off from North Park Junior High School beginning around dusk on Friday.
Newfane
The patriotic fun begins Thursday in Olcott with Newfane's annual fireworks over Lake Ontario beginning at 10 p.m. with fireworks being shot off the west pier.The light spectacular is best viewed from Lake Ontario Shoreline, Krull Park, and Olcott. The mirror image of the fireworks against the waters double the visual pleasure of this show. Boats sailing and motoring along the lake only add to the visual effect.
Friday brings the annual Patriot's Parade, also in Olcott. The town suggests that you dress up in red, white and blue and decorate your bikes and wagons. Meet at Krull Park overlook in the north park by noon and march to Olcott Beach Carousel Park. Free ice cream and ride ticket for participants. Free fun for spectators.
Saturday, the fun continues with face painting in the Lakeview Village Shoppes. Kids, bring in your report card and receive free face paint! Then stay for a movie shown right on the boardwalk.
Royalton
Royalton's festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Friday with the annual parade starting at the Hartland Bible Church. The parade route will travel east on West Avenue, south on Main Street, east on Park Avenue, north on Central Avenue, east on Maplewood Avenue, north on Mack Avenue, west on East Avenue, north on Central Avenue, then west on State Street back to the church.That will leave plenty of time to get to Royalton Ravine Park before the 10 p.m. fireworks. However, festivities begin when the park opens to parking at 7 p.m. For those who don't want to fight for parking, buses will run from Terry's Corners Fire Hall and Gasport Fire Hall at 7 p.m., as well.
Food vendors will be set up in the park and ready to go at 7 p.m., including ice cream, fried dough, pizza, popcorn, barbeque, slushies, coffee drinks, lemonade, cotton candy, roast beef, chicken fingers, sausage, hot dogs and burgers.
On stage, Last Call will perform beginning around 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., followed by Jonesie and the Firecrackers, who will play until fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
For families and those who don't care for live music, a movie will be shown beginning at 7:30 p.m. near Shelter #2.
Click here for all the details.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
AAA Travel projects 41 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday weekend, a 1.9 percent increase from the 40.3 million people who traveled last year and a nearly 14 percent increase compared to the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The majority of travelers will be celebrating their freedom with a road trip, with more than eight in 10 (34.8 million) choosing to travel by automobile, the highest level since 2007. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday through Sunday.
“The Fourth of July holiday is typically the busiest summer travel holiday, with five million more Americans traveling compared to Memorial Day weekend,” said AAA East Central President Jim Lehman. “We are seeing increases across our region, particularly in auto travel, as many of us celebrate summer with an all-American road trip.”
Highlights from 2014 Independence Day Travel Forecast include:
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news@eastniagarapost.com
The majority of travelers will be celebrating their freedom with a road trip, with more than eight in 10 (34.8 million) choosing to travel by automobile, the highest level since 2007. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday through Sunday.
“The Fourth of July holiday is typically the busiest summer travel holiday, with five million more Americans traveling compared to Memorial Day weekend,” said AAA East Central President Jim Lehman. “We are seeing increases across our region, particularly in auto travel, as many of us celebrate summer with an all-American road trip.”
Highlights from 2014 Independence Day Travel Forecast include:
- Nearly five million more Americans are expected to travel for Independence Day than for Memorial Day.
- Travel volume for Independence Day has grown four out of the past five years and is expected to be more than six percent higher than the average of the past 10 years.
- Holiday air travel is expected to decrease 0.6 percent to 3.1 million travelers from 3.12 million last year.
- Travelers will encounter airfares five percent lower than last year and car rental costs that remain consistent with last year at $58.
- Hotel rates at AAA Two Diamond hotels are 15 percent higher than last year and Three Diamond hotels are nine percent more.
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