Forney Parks and Recreation Department Director Richard Curry said that last years Independence Day event at the park was attended by over 10,000 people and they expect at least that many during the June 30th event. Curry said, “Last year was our best and most diverse fireworks show, but this year will be even better.” They expect the actual fireworks show to start around 9:15 p.m. and it will last 20-22 minutes. The fireworks will be fired from the north side of the park not far from the tennis courts. Atlas Enterprises will be providing the fireworks and conducting the pyrotechnic show. The City of Forney spent $15,000 on fireworks for this big event.
Curry does not want anyone to worry about whether there will be adequate parking at Forney Community Park, “We have all these parking lots and there will be overflow parking on the grass.” He noted that parking attendants will be on hand to direct traffic coming into the lots. There will not be any parking allowed on FM 548 and the Forney PD will be there to enforce that rule. The event is free and all of the activities are free as well. The only thing you may want to bring money for is food and drink vendors. At least seven food vendors as well as a full concession stand will be open at the park. Wicked Bull BBQ, Quattro Tasti deli, Ci-Ci's Pizza, a sno-cone vendor, and others will be ready to serve you.
Though no grilling out is allowed in the park, you are welcome to bring your own food and coolers. No alcohol or glass is allowed in the park. You are allowed to bring a canopy but you must set it up off to the side so you do not block anyone's view of the fireworks display. No canopies are allowed on the soccer fields.
This free Independence Day celebration is always a blast for the kids. This year the event will have a 90 foot slide, face painters, balloon artists, train rides, bounce houses, a rock wall, a bungee ride, and even a zip line for children and adults. A Dallas cover band called Counterfeit Radio will play on stage near the soccer fields before the fireworks show and for 30 minutes after the fireworks show ends. 300 free kids size event shirts will be shot out from t-shirt cannons near the stage area. Also, inside the park Forney Uniform Supply will be selling tornado relief shirts for $15 each to raise money for the April 3rd Forney tornado victims.If you have never been to Forney's Independence Day celebration, make 2012 your first year to attend. It's free, it's fun, and it's Forney at its finest. If you have any further questions about the event you can contact Dodie Witt at 972-564-7326.
