City police and the Washington Twp. Fire Department applied for and received a temporary flight restriction from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from 5 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday, July 3.
MORE: State cites Oakwood for trench collapse that hurt 2 workers
The annual Americana Festival runs all day Wednesday, but Davis said the FAA flight restriction is only in place during the fireworks from 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.
The restriction prohibits any and all aircraft including drones under 5,000 feet within a .25 nautical mile radius around Centerville High School -which is where the fireworks are launched from.
Anyone found in violation of this restriction can be prosecuted by the FAA under federal law for violating restricted air space, according to law enforcement officials.
“With regard to the decision, we felt as if the number of drones that are owned and operated in our area that it posed a threat to the safe operation of the fireworks display,” Davis said.
MORE: Ohio teachers may face more training on youth suicide risks
He added that the temporary ban also will help law enforcement deal with potential radio interference.
“There is also a concern about radio interference with the controllers for the fireworks themselves,” Davis said. “Our only intent is to provide a safe environment for the fireworks to be discharged without fear of malfunctions created by drones or other low flying aircraft.”
What began in 1972 as a sidewalk sale promoted by the Centerville downtown merchants is now one of the area’s most celebrated and patriotic Fourth of July events.
The 45th Annual Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival kicks off on July 3 with a fireworks display at Centerville High School followed by a daylong street fair celebration on July 4.
MORE: Police take ‘full responsibility’ after man is not helped for hours in Huber Heights
A new food truck alley is on tap for this year as it will join the parade, street fair, 5K run, and other events in various spots throughout downtown Centerville.
On Wednesday, the 5K begins at 7:30 a.m., street fair from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with hundreds of booths ranging from arts and crafts to food, treats and games. The parade will start at 10 a.m. The July 3 fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
MORE: Local Breaking: Task force’s $3.4 million ‘pure fentanyl’ bust actually was cocaine
The Up and Running Americana 5K Run/Walk starts at the Centerville High School Stadium on East Franklin Street, and follows the parade route down Franklin Street to just past Magsig Middle School, where the runners and walkers will turn around and head back to the high school.
The race finishes with a lap around the track in the stadium. The race is chip timed and results will be available immediately at the race.
About the Author