Baltimore County Announces 2011 Fireworks Displays

Those in the Dundalk area won't have far to travel to see fireworks on Independence Day.

Grange Elementary School, at 2000 Church Road, will host a fireworks display on July 4. Gates open at 3 p.m. and fireworks begin at dusk. The rain date is set for July 5.

The full schedule of firework displays in Baltimore County is available below: 

June 11, 2011

Arcadia Fair Grounds (no rain date)
16020 Carnival Avenue

June 25, 2011

College Manor, Inc. (no rain date)
300 W. Seminary Avenue, Lutherville

July 2, 2011

Eastern Yacht Club (no rain date)
2330 Seneca Road

Jacksonville Elementary School (rain date July 9)
3400 Hillendale Road

Oregon Ridge Park (no rain date)
13401 Beaver Dam Road

July 3, 2011

Oregon Ridge Park (no rain date)
13401 Beaver Dam Road

Baltimore Country Club (rain date July 8)
11500 Mays Chapel Road

The Suburban Club (rain date July 5)
7600 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, 21209

Woodholme Country Club (rain date July 5)
300 Woodholme Avenue

July 4, 2011

Catonsville High School (rain date July 9)
421 Bloomsbury Avenue, Catonsville

Fullerton Park (rain date July 5)
4304 Fullerton Avenue

Grange Elementary School (rain date July 5)
2000 Church Road, Dundalk

July 23, 2011

Oregon Ridge Park (rain date July 24)
13401 Beaver Dam Road

The above list reflects approved fireworks displays as of June 9. The Baltimore County Fire Marshal's Office will update the list as more permits are issued. 

"Public fireworks displays are a great way to enjoy the summer holiday season," begins a note on the Baltimore County government website. "The use of backyard fireworks is illegal; some ground-based and hand-held sparklers are legal in certain counties, including Baltimore County. Detailed information about the laws regulating fireworks is available online."

Jack Leonard, vice president of the National Council of Fireworks Safety, sent an e-mail to Patch Monday afternoon expanding on the importance of safety around the Fourth of July.  

He offered the following tips: 

• Fireworks should only be used out of doors.
• Parents should not permit young children to handle or use fireworks, including sparklers.
• Always wear safety glasses when using any fireworks.
• Drop spent sparkler sticks into a bucket of water.
• Keep a garden hose handy.
• Soak used fireworks with water before disposing of them in an outdoor trash can. 

"Following common-sense safety rules will make your holiday fireworks celebration not only exciting but safe as well. Be Sparkler Smart This Fourth," Leonard wrote.