By Tim Arnett
WABASH,Indiana – The Independence Day fireworks display for the city of Wabash will take place at the Field of Dreams on Monday, July 4th at dusk. The actual fireworks are shot off on the Wabash Street Department property but hundreds of residents have a front row seat for patriotic pyrotechnic display at the Field of Dreams. Adam Hall, new Wabash Parks Superintendent, told MiBash News that many residents park around the area with their favorite lawn chair and watch the display without ever entering into the Morrett Sports Complex. Others park at O.J. Neighbours Elementary School and walk the back trail to the Field of Dreams.
He added that those taking that approach better be prepared with mosquito repellant as the city doesn’t normally spray in that area, preferring to keep the trail “natural.” He called the trek through the woods behind the school a “walk at your own risk,” especially with this summer’s Zika concerns. But, Hall noted, that the danger of getting bit all depends on how wet the next few weeks are.
Because the Morrett Sports Complex is an open public area, alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Larger fireworks are also not allowed because of safety issues. Hall even frowned on the use of sparklers for the little ones, although he said that those aren’t nearly as dangerous as the larger fireworks. Hall did remind those coming out to the Field of Dreams that night that police will be in the area and making sure those in attendance are safe. And police and the Wabash County EMA will also be directing traffic in the area. Hall stressed safety to those who will go into the Field of Dreams to watch the fireworks.
The city uses a fireworks company called Phil’s Pyrotechnics and the money comes from a line item in the year’s budget. The band God’s Country will also be playing at the Field of Dreams on the 4th of July.