The City of Frederick’s 4th of July celebration in Baker Park is expected to bring thousands of people into downtown Frederick.The Frederick Police Department would like to remind all who attend to be to plan accordingly for large crowds and heavy traffic
Frederick’s Fourth of July Celebration in Baker Park Safety Tips and Reminders
The City of Frederick’s 4th of July celebration in Baker Park is expected to bring thousands of people into downtown Frederick. The Frederick Police Department would like to remind all who attend to be to plan accordingly for large crowds and heavy traffic.
The weather can be severe and hot this time of year so monitor the weather reports and make plans for the expected weather. It is very important to be prepared for the weather, as heat related illnesses are not uncommon, especially for children and the elderly.
This year the Department of Homeland Security has issued a heightened threat of terrorist activity. The FBI has stated there is no credible threat for the 4th of July but everyone should be aware and report suspicious activity. The Frederick Police Department will have a visible presence in the park and throughout the city on the 4th of July. We ask if you see something suspicious that you call and report it to the police.
The crowd at Baker Park builds steadily over a period of many hours during the day, but those attending generally wish to leave immediately after the fireworks have concluded. The Frederick Police Department will make every effort to make your exit from the event area as smooth as possible, however please be aware that you may have to wait for an extended period of time to exit the area after the fireworks. Therefore, you should anticipate significant delays and plan your itinerary appropriately.
The following streets will be closed during the event:
- W. 2nd St. between N. Bentz St. and College Ave.
- College Ave. between W. 2nd St. and Carroll Parkway
- Carroll Parkway between N. Bentz St. and N. Jefferson St.
- Upper College Terrace between Fleming Avenue and W. 2nd Street
- W. College Terrace between W. 2nd St. and Carroll Parkway
- All of Fleming Ave.
The Frederick Police Department offers the following tips and reminders to ensure a good event for all:
1 - Park away from Baker Park and walk in (many streets will be closed). Parking in the City Parking Decks is highly encouraged and is free on July 4th.
2 - If you are not prepared to wait in your vehicle for extended periods of time in order to leave, consider leaving the event a little early, or 45 minutes to an hour later, to avoid the inconvenience.
3 - Be prepared to be directed to major routes out of the city that may differ from your original plan. Traffic will be very heavy immediately after the fireworks.
4- We highly discourage any motorists attempting to travel into the area of Baker Park at the conclusion of the event; all traffic will be diverted away from the park to major routes.
5- Please plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the area before you attend the event and realize that you may not be able to exit the area in the same manner that you entered. Follow the traffic direction provided by officers.
6 - Please do not stop in traffic and ask a police officer for directions. This causes additional congestion and unwanted delays. Please remember that the primary concern of the officers is to ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians. Motorists who stop and ask for directions distract police officers from their job and jeopardize everyone’s safety.
7- If you absolutely must ask an officer for directions, please find a place to legally pull your vehicle over and wait until the officer finishes his detail or contacts you when he is available.
8 - Be prepared for the weather! Bring drinking water, sunscreen, handheld umbrellas, etc...
9- Report suspicious activity to any police employee or call 911.
10- NO PETS ARE PERMITTED IN THE PARK ON JULY 4TH.