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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Thursday, July 2, 2009 10:15 PM CDT
Residents can catch a free ride for Coles fireworks at airport

Staff report

Leaving the driving to shuttle bus drivers should produce fewer headaches Saturday during the Coles County Fireworks.

Free shuttle rides start at 5 p.m. Saturday from the Cross County Mall lot in Mattoon and O’Brien Stadium in Charleston to Coles County Memorial Airport. Shuttles will continue until shortly before the fireworks display starts at about 9:15 p.m. at the airport. Return trips will start after the show ends.

Parking guides will direct motorists to spaces through the afternoon and evening. Law enforcement and volunteers will help with traffic control at the conclusion of the show.

Spectators should bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Neither alcohol nor pets are allowed on the airport grounds.

People parking outside the airport must keep roadways clear. Parking along Illinois Route 16 is not allowed.

Prior to the show, beverages and food are available from vendors near the west parking area. Music will also be provided through sound systems.

Emergency Services personnel will be present for any emergencies at the event.

Rain date for the fireworks is Sunday.

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Rockin Rotty wrote on Jul 5, 2009 5:33 PM:

" Excellant! Thank You to ALL Vets!

I will add one thing though....

For future fireworks displays....

LOSE THE MUSIC & SOUND SYSTEM CRAP!!

Get a live singer(s) for the National Anthem, then be done with the music! "

61912 wrote on Jul 6, 2009 12:29 AM:

" I enjoyed the fireworks from a distance, didn't go to the airport so I don't know about the sound system there but I did enjoy the music to go along with the fireworks.

I did like it better when they weren't consolidated though. Not so much hassle to find somewhere to watch from and all of the traffic.

Why don't you like the music Rotty? BTW...good to see you back posting regularly! ;-) "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Jul 6, 2009 10:21 AM:

" Hi & Thanks, 61912! Great to see you again!

I agree with you about the consolidation & traffic issues.

The music they play is OK, I guess. Last night, I heard a couple of songs that was good to hear. I'm not much of a country buff though.

I'm an a-natural guy, so to speak.
LOL!
;-) "

Hammbone wrote on Jul 6, 2009 11:34 AM:

" This years fireworks display was,,PATHETIC! to say the least.So inadequate as to be laughable or contemptible. One would think that the 2 communities involved would do better.
I won't be going back to this pathetic side show again. I've seen better,For the amount of time and effort it takes and all the folks out there on there dime donating time and effort,I'd hang my head in shame.Those folks did a wonderful job putting time and effort in to a almost laughable pittyful small event. Opps someone forgot to bring a desent supply of fireworks considdering the time and effort!Pittyful just Pittyful... "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Jul 6, 2009 1:52 PM:

" Rockin Rotty good to see you back again! Rotty I think you'd like the music they use for the fireworks in Galesburg ( or used to use anyway I haven't seen them in 7 years so not sure if they still use it) its all patriotic! God Bless The USA, My Country Tis of Thee, America the Beautiful and they usually get the high school choir to sing the National Anthem. Due to Sciatica pain I didn't see the fireworks last night, Thanks for posting Hammbone Im glad to know my daughter and I didn't miss much =) "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Jul 6, 2009 4:18 PM:

" Thanks devilishangel! Every couple of years we do try to do something different & attend another's festivities.

Unfortunately, I've avoided the Galesburg area for several years now, let alone alot of long distance driving. Near ten years ago, because of a big cornfield fire, & the smoke that was rolling across the area & the interstate up there, I was involved in a 20 car pileup. By the grace of God, & some quick thinking, I lived. I shouldn't of have, but I did. Someone or something was really watching out for me, that day. lol :-)

The only other we've tried, in the last few years is Casey's fireworks, & we thought they were the pits. I wouldn't mind trying Sullivan's or Lake Shelbyville's to see how it goes with those displays.

Thanks for your info, it's much appreciated - maybe one of these years I'll make it up that way again, & give it a try. "

Old Grumpy wrote on Jul 6, 2009 4:23 PM:

" For the time and effort put into the show it should have been great. However any "joint" venture between Mattoon and Charleston is doomed from the start. Neither City is willing to put any money into it, Charleston promotes its Red White and Blue days and Mattoon promotes FutureGen. If a fraction of the money wasted on promoting FutureGen was put into the fireworks show it would have lasted two hours!
The fireworks being shot off in the Showtime parking lot and south of the airport were combined they would have been a better show than the ones at the airport. LMAO

God bless our veterans and those serving in the Armed Forces. It is a shame neither City truely honors them with a show worth attending. "

jdf9776 wrote on Jul 7, 2009 6:38 AM:

" Hammbone, I thought the fireworks were good here. At least compared to Effinghams that lasted 15 mins or less. And you have to take in consideration too that things are not getting any cheaper either. So you need to cut the people some slack. It least they done something. "