As the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, the Mexico Public Safety Department issued a reminder to area residents that fireworks are illegal in the city limits of Mexico. But there will be plenty to celebrate.

There will be two public firework displays, which are free to attend. The first will be near Garfield Park on Saturday, July 3. Prior to the firework display there will be food and bounce houses in the park.

There may be parking available in the park, depending on how dry the ground is. The City will be allowing parking on one side of the road along Seminary, Garfield, Central, and Trinity during the evening.

Tyronn Lue is sponsoring this event.

The second display will be at the Optimist Ball Fields, near the Missouri Veteran’s Home on Sunday, July 4. Prior to the firework display, there will be food and games at the ball fields.

No parking is allowed along State Route J (Agricultural Street) during the event. The Mexico Noon Lions are sponsoring this event.

Additionally, in a community where thousands of people live, work, and visit, fireworks are more likely to damage property, frighten pets, and traumatize some residents.

The Freedom of the Road Riders Local-13 will be having a car show on the Mexico Square during the day of July 3rd. The square will be blocked off.

As area residents attend these events, everyone should remember to only park where legally allowed and not to block driveways or be on private property without permission. Everyone is also reminded not to drive while impaired so that everyone can have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Fireworks are banned for safety reasons. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 180 people per day seek medical treatment across the U.S. for firework related injuries from mid-June to mid-July.