Scorching temperatures will linger in Chattanooga for several days, and finally drop to only 96 by the July 4 holiday on Wednesday.

After a burner on Friday, the mercury is set to rise to 105 degrees today, and it won't be much better on Sunday - 104.

Temperatures are still set to top 100 on Monday before easing to 97 on Tuesday.

 

One of the events set for today is LibertyFest, and Stump Martin, East Ridge recreation director, said, "The East Ridge Merchants Association (ERMA), City of East Ridge and Hamilton County want those attending Libertyfest today at Camp Jordan Park to have a safe and fun experience.

 

"The festival committee has an all-star staff from the East Ridge police officers and firefighters, who have been working for more than 90 days to make the environment safe and move the flow of traffic.

 

"Thousands of people are expected to come to  I-75, Exit 1 for a regional-wide party today that will feature top live entertainment and will conclude with a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

 

"The celebration of America’s Independence at the 275-acre Camp Jordan Park Amphitheatre will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today."

 

According to Traffic Enforcement Officer J.R. Reed, the main entrance for the festival will be at Camp Jordan Parkway and Ringgold Road.

 

Nevertheless, due to the unseasonably hot temperatures Officer Reed said there would be a secondary entrance at Frawley Road and Ringgold Road.

 

He said, “This is an attempt to keep from backing up traffic on Ringgold Road and the adjacent intersections such as the Interstate 75 Exit 1 entrance ramps and Mack Smith Road. By utilizing two entrances into Camp Jordan it will cut down on the time people will be sitting in the heat.”

Officer Reed said that once the patron has paid the $10 per car at the gate, traffic control personnel would direct the driver to a designated area where the parking staff will be located.

 

“As the traffic leaves Camp Jordan both entrances will serve as the exits,” Officer Reed said. “Once the vehicles reach Ringgold Road leaving from the Frawley Road exit they will turn left only back toward Georgia where the motorists can get back on Interstate 75 north or south. Those making exit from Camp Jordan Parkway will be able to only turn right toward Interstate 75 north or south or travel up Ringgold Road.“

 

Officer Reed has spent many hours in Camp Jordan Park and on the roads that lead in doing time studies to make the motorist’s trip to the festival more enjoyable.

 

East Ridge Deputy Fire Marshall Kenny Custer said that East Ridge Public Safety and Puckett EMS have established a comprehensive safety plan for Libertyfest.

 

“With record breaking heat forecasted for this all-day festival, firefighters and EMS personnel will be on hand throughout the event to ensure those in attendance are safe,” Custer said.  “Puckett EMS will be deploying a bicycle team along with a first aid station, which will include water misters, and a cooling tent.”

Custer said East Ridge Fire/Rescue and Puckett EMS would be equipped to handle any heat related emergencies.

 

“The East Ridge Police Department has developed an extensive security and traffic control plan to ensure the festival will be safe and to minimize traffic congestion, “Custer said. “A command post will be in place to coordinate the joint effort to ensure public safety.”

 

Health and Safety Tips
The following tips should help make Libertyfest more enjoyable to the public, as well as make the event as safe as possible:

 

Be sure every member of your party stays hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

 

Avoid long-term exposure in direct sun light

 

If you begin to feel ill or sick, seek first aid immediately

 

In addition, during the fireworks display the following safety tips should be followed:

 

Spectators should obey all ushers or monitors and respect the safety barriers set up to allow the trained operator room to do his job safely. Resist any temptation to get close to the actual firing site. In fact, the best view of the fireworks is from a quarter of a mile or more away.

 

Although it rarely happens, it is possible that a firework component might fall to the ground without exploding. The public should avoid these components, and please don’t touch these fireworks. If they happen to find any which have not exploded, they should immediately contact the East Ridge Fire/Rescue or Police Department.

 

Leave the lighting of all fireworks to the trained operator while you are attending Libertyfest. Leave your own fireworks at home -- the display will provide plenty of excitement.

“We want everybody to sit back, relax and enjoy the show,” Custer concluded.

The entertainment line-up features headliner Cody McCarver, JoyScout with Chattanooga native Emily Kate Boyd, Roger Alan Wade, Davey Smith, Nathan Farrow, Chris McDaniel, Heather :Luttrell, the Stratoblasters and more.

 

When: June 30 from 10 am -10 pm
Where: I-75, Exit 1 at Camp Jordan Park East Ridge
What to bring: Lawn chairs and blankets and wear cool comfortable clothes.
What to expect: A lot of fun and good food
Admission: $10 per car (limit 6 per vehicle)
How to get there: I-75, Exit 1 and follow the signs to Fred Pruett Parkway
How to volunteer: Call 423-432-4409
For more info: www.eastridgeparksandrec.com