Rockingham Times

Update: Due to high probability of persistent thunderstorms on Monday, July 3, the City is activating the rain plan. 

Fireworks and events will take place on Wednesday, July 5.

The City of Portsmouth and Wilcox Industries are presenting the annual fireworks display on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the South Mill Pond across from the Portsmouth City Hall beginning at 9:15 pm. This celebration is an alcohol-free, family-friendly event.

Celebrations begin at Leary Field.

3:30 pm - Leary Field open with kids' activities

3:30 pm - The TonyMack Band Performance

6:30 pm - Mayor Deaglan McEachern Opening Remarks

6:40 pm - Piscataqua Rangers Junior Fife and Drum Performance

7:00 pm - Motor Booty Affair Performance

9:00 pm - National Anthem sung by Crystal Marie

9:15 pm - Fireworks begin!

Portsmouth Police Chief Mark Newport is invoking his “Emergency Powers” and orders that NO PARKING will be permitted starting at 12 noon on July 5, on the streets below, in preparation for and during the fireworks display that evening:

• Parrott Avenue;
• Junkins Avenue;
• Mt. Vernon Street;
• Pleasant Street;
• Richmond Street;
• Livermore Street;
• Wentworth Street;
• Melcher Street;
• Whidden Street;
• Rogers Street;
• Edward Street;
• Franklin Street;
• Pickering Street;
• Hunking Street;
• Gardner Street;
• Howard Street;
• Elwyn Avenue;
• Sherburne Avenue;
• Rockland Street;
• Kent Street;
• Richards Avenue;
• Gates Street;
• South Street from Miller Avenue to Marcy Street; and
• West side of Market Street from Deer Street to Russell Street.

Vehicles will be towed from the South Mill Pond playground parking lot on Junkins Avenue beginning at 10 am on July 5 due to the proximity of fireworks operations. Beginning at noon on July 5, vehicles parked on Parrott Avenue between Richards Avenue to Junkins Avenue will be towed. 

The tennis courts/basketball courts/playground areas and baseball areas will be closed as of 6 am on Monday, July 5. Parrott Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 7 pm and Junkins Avenue will be closed to vehicles at 8 pm.

Limited accessible parking will be available at the Public Library. The Foundry Garage will charge a Pre-Pay $5 fee on entry, and the Hanover Parking Garage will charge a Pre-Pay $10 fee on entry, for parking during the hours of 3 pm and 9 pm on Wednesday, July 5.

Dog owners are reminded of the City ordinance forbidding dogs from any park where the Recreation Department holds scheduled programs. This includes Leary and Central Fields, South Playground, and the Connie Bean Playground. Please note that the South Mill Pond Dog Park will be closed from Sunday, July 2 through Thursday, July 6 for thorough cleaning and needed maintenance work.

Vendors, properly licensed by the City, will be permitted on the north side (Portsmouth Middle School side) of Parrott Avenue only.

Residents are reminded that fireworks, including sparklers, are not permitted as per City Ordinance in the compact part of the City. Heavy traffic and very long delays are expected after the fireworks. To help provide a safe environment for the fireworks event, the Portsmouth Police Department will have many officers on foot patrol throughout the night.

City offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4. The Recycling Center will be closed on July 4 and Tuesday trash collection will be moved to and combined with Wednesday trash collection. The Portsmouth Public Library and Recreation buildings are closed on July 4. The outdoor pool will be open (open swim 1-6:15 pm).

Original source can be found here.