Over the years, numerous citizens have expressed concerns regarding fireworks, including excessive noise from commercial and non-commercial displays, difficulty enforcing the regulations restricting their use, and fire hazards. The City Council discussed various alternatives to the firework regulations. At a work session some individuals expressed concerns regarding the use of fireworks, but several others supported the continued use of fireworks within the City limits. The City Council held a Public Hearing in April 2021 and amended Whitefish City Code Section 9-1-6, Fireworks.
Fireworks may not be discharged within the boundaries of or within 300 feet of any park owned or maintained by the city, upon any public street, alley, road or right-of-way, except as otherwise provided; upon any public street, alley, road or right-of-way, except as otherwise provided; within 1,000 feet of any hospital, nursing or assisted living facility; under or upon a motor vehicles; within 300 feet of any gas station, gas, oil or propane storage facility or other area which is highly flammable by nature.
Fireworks may be discharged between 11:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on July 3rd; and between 11:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on July 4th. Permitted fireworks are of the “consumer fireworks” type: 1) a cardboard or heavy paper cylindrical tube or cone that produces a shower of color and sparks that reach a maximum of 15 feet, may whistle or pop; and is not designed to explode or leave the ground; 2) a pyrotechnic wheel device that may be attached to a post or a tree and contains up to six “driver” units or tubes; 3) any device that spins, jumps, or emits popping sounds when placed on the ground, does not exceed a height of 15 feet when discharged, and does not travel laterally more than 10 feet on a smooth surface when discharged; and/or 4) sparklers under 12 inches in length which do not have a magnesium make up, glow worms, snakes, party poppers, trick noisemakers.
The Parks and Recreation Department has prepared a fun-filled 4th of July celebration at the Whitefish City Beach with food vendors and the annual firework display. Numerous vendors including shaved ice, mini-doughnuts, kettle corn, ice cream, and barbecue will be open in the early evening and stay open until the fireworks start.
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he main City Beach parking lot will be closed to accommodate the vendors. Parking will be limited all day in and around City Beach, so please plan accordingly. The City of Whitefish encourages everyone to walk or bike to the beach for the festivities and fireworks to help alleviate parking and traffic congestion. The Baker Avenue Underpass is open to provide a safe passage for bikers and walkers from the downtown area to City Beach. The Chamber of Commerce is offering a shuttle, compliments of Rocky Mountain Transportation, from the O’Shaughnessy Center to City Beach from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Please remember, no dogs are allowed at City Beach in both the beach and park areas. No personal fireworks, alcohol, or glass containers are allowed. Please help to keep the beach, pedestrian paths, and surrounding areas clean and free of trash. Trash receptacles are provided along the paths and throughout City Beach. Please be respectful of neighboring properties.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July!