With the Fourth of July holiday weekend rapidly approaching, the Ashe County Parks and Recreation Department is urging locals to utilize the shuttle service during this Saturday’s firework festivities at the county park.

Director Joe Boccardy said that by using the Ashe County Transportation Authority shuttle, park guests will help minimize the traffic volume entering and exiting the park this Saturday. He also said that if more guests use the shuttle there will be additional green space available for other recreational activities.

The shuttle will begin transporting guests to and from Ashe County Park beginning at 3 p.m. at the Ashe County Courthouse. Shuttles will continue to run until after the show and will be transporting guests back to their vehicles. Following the conclusion of Saturday night’s fireworks, traffic will detour through Old Hwy 16 and the town of Jefferson by local law enforcement officials to minimize the time it takes for shuttles to travel on Wade Bare Road en route to the courthouse.

Boccardy stated that the park’s main gate will close once the ground’s designated parking areas reach capacity, which usually occurs shortly after sunset. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on park grounds and guests are asked not to bring their canine friends to the park on Saturday. Park officials urge parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children at all times. Children should also use ear protection due to high level of concussion produced by the pyrotechnics.

The event is free of charge but donations will be accepted at the gate. Boccardy explained that the Independence Day celebration would not be possible without donations. He stated that the county spends over $10,000 on pyrotechnics alone, not including the costs for bands and other operational costs.

“The more we get at the gate for donations the more we can spend on next year to offset those costs,” he said.

This Saturday will be treated as any other operational day as park gates will open at 7 a.m. Live performances from some of the area’s most recognized bands will begin between 2 and 3 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information on Saturday’s fireworks celebration, please call (336) 982-6185.