Fair Board asks Lancaster parks board to allow Mt. Pleasant fireworks for 175th anniversary

Connie Smith, representing the Fairfield County Fair Board, asked the Lancaster Board of Park Commissioners on Aug. 6 for permission to hold a fireworks display at Mt. Pleasant at about 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, as part of the Fair’s 175th-anniversary events.

Smith said the Fair Board hopes the display can precede a demolition derby and noted timing may require a short delay to the derby so the fireworks can occur first. She presented a written letter of support from the Fairfield County Commissioners, signed by County Administrator Aundrea Cordle, that outlines the Fair’s historic role in the community and urges approval of the fireworks and collaboration on safety planning.

The meeting minutes record the public request and the submitted letter as Exhibit A but do not record any formal motion or vote to approve the fireworks use of Mt. Pleasant at this meeting. Staff later noted in the meeting packet that Parks staff are working with the Fairfield County Fairgrounds on plans for fireworks on Oct. 11; the minutes do not indicate that final approvals, permits or safety plans were signed off at the Aug. 6 session.

Next steps recorded in the packet and minutes include staff coordination with the fairgrounds and development of a safety plan prior to the event; no formal permit outcome was recorded in the minutes.