City of Sherwood takes extra heat precautions during Independence Day celebration

SHERWOOD, Ark.- City officials in Sherwood are joining forces with first responders to ensure that all people attending Independence Day celebrations stay safe despite the sweltering heat.

The Fireworks & Food Trucks event at The Greens at North Hills in Sherwood took place on Wednesday, July 3, starting at 6 p.m. The city projected more than 6,000 to attend the event.

“It’s so wonderful to just see so many families out here enjoying themselves,” Sherwood Mayor Mary Jo Heye-Townsell said.

Officials with the city of Sherwood are working extra hard to make sure precautions are set up for health and safety in the heat when temperatures feel around 118 degrees.

“We have officers and staff all over the course, EMTs here as a just in case, and even the fire department to assist if needed,” Heye-Townsell said.

Officials say having it on the golf course helps allow more people, but it also opens many resources, such as golf carts for first responders to easily check on safety and well-being and trees to allow shade in the heat.

Of those who came, the first responders reported that at the end of the night, there were no reports of any health or safety issues due to the heat.

“We’ve got free water, free cold water available so people can stay hydrated in the heat, and fortunately, as the sun goes down the heat, we get some relief from it as well,” Heye-Townsell said.

A fundraiser also held in conjunction with the free presentation for those who wanted to support the community.

The Balcony Blast Fundraiser, held upstairs in The Greens Events Center, allowed people to have a catered meal and enjoy the fireworks show in the air conditioning.

“It’s $30 per ticket, people come out and they can view the event from the comfort,” Sherwood Police Officer Matt Faircloth said.

The proceeds benefit the Sherwood Police Department’s COPPS outreach programs.

“COPPS is a community program that stands for Community-Oriented Police and Problem Solving, the fundraiser will help us continue programs like the Coats for Kids, Stuff the Backpack, our Christmas events, helping with our unsheltered population, we have fishing derbies, and none of those things could happen without funding,” Faircloth said.

People who decided to take the outdoor route and enjoy the free show could pick from a variety of food trucks, play family-friendly games and have bounce houses for the kids, all in celebration of Independence Day.

“It’s just that “Ahh” moment when the fireworks go up and the patriotic music begins to play, that family moment, everyone puts their phones down and watches,” Faircloth said.

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