If perhaps you were inclined to let loose with a few rounds this weekend…

@tvnb –

Here is the entirety of the press release:

News Release
Officers Work to Ensure the Only Fireworks Are in the Sky

July 1, 2009

The only ticket in town this year for Fourth of July fireworks will be free to the public at Dogwood Dell in the West End.

Residents are reminded for backyard celebrations that fireworks and the firing of guns are illegal within the city limits, not just on July Fourth, but at all times.

For the public Fourth of July festivities, parking will be restricted Saturday, July 4, in the area around Dogwood Dell, The Carillon and Byrd Park. Towing will be strictly enforced in areas with no-parking signage and as directed by Richmond Police. No parking will be allowed on medians, bridges or roadways.

Persons planning to attend festivities at Dogwood Dell are encouraged to use the shuttle service available from University of Richmond stadium at McCloy Street and Douglasdale Road, beginning at 4 p.m.

The evening’s events at Dogwood Dell start at 5 p.m. The City Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities advises that alcohol and pets are not allowed at this event.

“Without fireworks at The Diamond this year, we expect everyone to converge on Dogwood Dell,” said Special Events Division Commander Michael Shamus. “There will be a large uniform and plainclothes police presence to ensure a safe family-friendly atmosphere.”

Because of the anticipated large crowd, several streets will be closed leading to and within the Dogwood Dell–Byrd Park area. Please note the following street closings and traffic pattern changes for July 4:

• Douglasdale Road will be closed to vehicle traffic from McCloy Street to Blanton Avenue from 4 to 11 p.m. This street will only be used by the shuttle buses during this time.
• The Boulevard will be closed to southbound traffic at Cary Street at 7:30 p.m. The detour will travel east on Cary Street.
• Westover Hills Boulevard will be closed to northbound traffic at the Boulevard Bridge at 7:30 p.m. The detour is west on Forest Hill to the Powhite Parkway or east on Forest Hill to Semmes Avenue.

Please be reminded that if a cross-street intersects with any of the closed streets, that intersection will be closed as well.

After the fireworks at Dogwood Dell, all northbound traffic traveling toward The Boulevard will be detoured eastbound to I-195. There is a 75-cent toll. All traffic from Garrett Street and Blanton Avenue will be directed south over the Boulevard Bridge utilizing both lanes.

To assist with the Fourth of July celebration, the Richmond Metropolitan Authority will waive the toll on the Boulevard Bridge for southbound traffic for 30 minutes after the fireworks display has ended.