SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Utility Board announced today that due to major construction on Mill Street, the utility will not be holding this year’s Light of Liberty Celebration.
SUB, in coordination with its Team Springfield partners – the City of Springfield, Springfield Public Schools and Willamalane Park and Recreation District – made this difficult decision after carefully evaluating several alternatives.
“Keeping our community safe is our number one priority,” said Meredith Clark, SUB’s Community Relations Manager. “After discussion, we concluded that Mill Street construction doesn’t allow for safe, practical access to Island Park.” Mill Street is a major access point just east of the park, where the annual event is normally held.
“We’ll miss hosting the celebration this year, but our focus has always been on creating meaningful ways for the community to come together,” said SUB General Manager, Jeff Nelson. “That’s why Team Springfield is working together to support an evening of all-American fun by providing discount tickets to the Springfield Drifters July 3rd game and fireworks show.”
Nelson noted that the $5 tickets help honor the tradition of providing safe, affordable venue for families to celebrate the holiday.
“The Drifters are Springfield’s hometown baseball team, and their beautiful, modern ballpark next to Hamlin Middle School is a hidden gem right in the heart of Springfield. We’re proud to shine a light on this amazing Springfield venue and share it with the broader community,” he said.
Enjoying fireworks at a professional show is key for a safe holiday, Nelson added. To help community members plan, links to nearby fireworks displays can be found on SUB’s website at www.subutil.com, and tickets for the July 3rd Drifters game are at driftersbaseball.com .
