4Th Of July Events

It's great that the town is offering more for the fourth of July celebration. But I am concerned about the safety. Last year, I tried to take my family down to the front for the fourth. The crowds were terrible! I was bothered by the sheer number of people. But that was nothing compared to the obvious public displays of alcohol, disorderly conduct, and just a general disregard for the law. I tried to rest on the beach-but when I realized that the couple beside me was drinking beer and wine while their dog laid on the sand, I couldn't stand it! I looked everywhere for a police officer-but did not see a single one. Finally I decided that I just had to bring my kids home, before the already out of control crowd became more dangerous!
Please understand-I am NOT blaming the police department. I think there were just too many people! I was on the main beach, in front of High Tides. It could be that the police officers were busy on the other beaches. I don't know. I do know that the crowd is just scarey!!!! I don't mean to call names-but the group of people who tend to celebrate there is rough, too rough for me!

I have faith in Chief Hawkins. I have "looked at" the new Police force for sometime now and like what I see. I have heard "bits and pieces" of info of what to expect this year on the 4th. I believe that there will be a big Police presence and I don't think that they will put up with any "unruliness". Hopefully this year will be a pleasant experience for all families.

If the current police presence is any indication of how the 4th will be, we'll be in good shape. Never before have I seen so many State Troopers (on motorcycles and cars), County Police and Town Police all at one event. If this is any indication of what to expect on the 4th, we're good to go.

Also, to E Way: you'll find those same rowdy crowds everywhere you go on the 4th. You think the Beach is bad on the 4th... don't ever go to DC for the 4th. Your best bet is to stay home and watch the DC fireworks display on PBS. Then you can eat your popcorn and cookies while drinking your cold glass of milk.

I sincerely hope that you are right! There has been a change since last year, that is true. If I remember rightly, Rummage was very critical about the crowds on the fourth last year. So maybe this year will be a big change. It may be a sign of the times, actually-we went to Westmoreland State Park on Memorial day this year. The crowd there was scarey as well! There were several police departments present, and yet there were at least three fights while we were there. Finally,the pool was closed at five instead of six-a lifeguard friend told me that they closed the park because someone had a gun. So really, it isn't just CB!
It is the difficulty of small towns I suppose-we want the tourism, but then when too many people come, it ruins the pleasant family atmosphere we usually enjoy...

I was in the same area last fourth of july and the crowd was not scary at all, in fact it was a nice crowd just laying back watching the fireworks.

As for people having a couple of beers, come on, it is not that horrendous of a thing for adults to have a couple drinks while out.

E Way - You're right. In the previous years, the crowds have been terrible. It's been that way for quite some time; in fact, my family stopped going because the crowds became dangerous.

I did notice that there was a large police presence during Festival weekend. If this is any indication of the presence we'll see on the 4th, I think it'll be a better time. One can hope anyway!

Thank you, "Hmm". This is not a debate about adults choosing to drink alcohol. I just like for people to obey the laws-I guess i'm old fashioned that way! Since public use of alcohol is illegal, then it shouldn't be happening. There is no debate on that.
I am hopeful-perhaps the new police chief can make a big difference!

I live in C.B. on the Point. Last year we walked to the beach to watch the fireworks. We had a great time with no rowdy's around us. I think it all depends on where on the beach you plant yourself. Watch and listen carefully before settting up camp and I think you'll have a great time watching the fireworks. And yes, the police presence will be more this year. We have a whole different set of officials that I believe are more attentive to the special events at the beach.

I saw thouands of people having a good time. No one was out of line. Its a day of celebration, and if someone celebrates to much then the cops will come in. We cannot just sit and ooooh, awwww at the fireworks, we like to scream WOOOOOOOW.
I walked from friends house at the point to second street. The only problem I saw was the traffic. No one was directing traffic out of town. At the corner of Washington and Colonial Ave. the bottleneck was because no police officers were directing traffic, and that caused the back up all the way to the Point. Everyone had to stop at the stop sign. Cops should have been there waving them out of town. There was no traffic from that intersection to second street.

Mark my words: Get ready for all hell to break loose on the 4th. When they start closing down the entrance to Colonial Beach after 3 PM, there's gonna be a lot of pissed off people. Word is if you're not a CB resident, forget getting into the Beach after 3 PM. Like I said, ALL HELL IS GONNA BREAK LOOSE!

the question is are people going to try to break in or break out?????

Can someone breakdown the towns plans for charging to "park"?

It would be great if the Police would post the FACTS on this site. they could have a site with just the FACTS. Everyone reads topix, but not everyone responds.
Too many things go on that no one has an idea what to expect. Rumors, rumors.
Someone please post the facts. Chief Hawkins are you listening.

I agree that the traffic and parking were some of the biggest problems. At most big events, there are people directing traffic and parking, if only to keep the parking areas organized so that everyone can get out. That way you don't have people just pulling in anywhere and blocking in other cars. That was one of my biggest concerns last year. It sounds like the fourth is the first big chance for the new administration to prove itself-let's hope they succeed!

As for parking plans (in response to Lost's post), I read in the paper that they plan to charge non-residents for parking. I think it's going to cost $10. Apparently, schools and organizations will man the lots and can keep the proceeds that they collect from cars parking in their lot.

i wonder if they will ever find a way to charge for parking of boats out in the river for the fireworks display

There will be an article about the parking on the Fourth of July in Wednesday's Journal. Enjoy the holiday and be careful out there.

There will be added security from Westmoreland and State police, Cheif Hawkins and Town Council already discussed this matter months ago.

Relax and enjoy the show.

so the county and state are coming to save the day????

this week's Journal has the real story on parking-an information booth near NAPA, which will suggest that town visitors choose to park in the designated areas. It sounds like a good plan. I hope it goes well!