July 3 Portsmouth Fireworks Information

Chief Stephen J. DuBois of the Portsmouth Police Department is invoking his “Emergency Powers” and orders that NO PARKING will be permitted on the following Portsmouth Streets on July 3, 2015, (with the exception of residents only) due to the annual fireworks display:

1. Parrott Avenue 13. Franklin Street

2. Junkins Avenue 14. Pickering Street

3. Mt. Vernon Street 15. Hunking Street

4. Pleasant Street 16. Gardner Street

5. South Street from Miller to Marcy 17. Gates Street

6. Richmond Street 18. Howard Street

7. Rogers Street 19. Elwyn Avenue

8. Edward Street 20. Sherburne Avenue

9. Livermore Street 21. Rockland Street

10. Wentworth Street 22. Kent Street

11. Melcher Street 23. Richards Avenue

12. Whidden Street

Best locations to watch the July 3 Portsmouth fireworks

Vehicles will be towed from the South Mill Pond playground parking lot on Junkins Avenue beginning at 10 a.m. on July 3rd, 2015, due to the close proximity of loaded fireworks tubes. Vehicles parked on Parrott Avenue between Richards Avenue to Junkins Avenue will be towed beginning at noon on July 3, 2015. The tennis courts/basketball courts/playground areas and baseball areas will be closed by 6 a.m. on July 3, 2015. Limited handicapped parking will be available at the Public Library. The Parking Garage will charge a flat $3 fee for parking during the hours of 5 and 9 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015.

The Dog Park will be closed from 6 a.m. on Friday July 3, 2015, to 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2015. 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.

The Portsmouth Public Library will close at 5 p.m. on July 3, 2015.

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

Residents are reminded that fireworks, including sparklers, are not permitted as per City Ordinance. Heavy traffic and very long delays are expected after the fireworks.

The Annual Fireworks Celebration is an alcohol free family event (the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. sharp).

To help provide a safe environment for the fireworks event, the Portsmouth Police Department will have numerous officers on foot patrol throughout the night. We will also deploy DWI Patrols for the hours following the event.

Chief DuBois and members of the Portsmouth Police Department wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July holiday.