We did see hundreds of people lined up in parking lots, overpasses, in yards and along roadways in the early evening, all waiting to see the aerial displays on this beautiful warm July 3 night. My understanding is that this year, there were no ground displays, only aerials, so people could see from a long distance away.
My eye witness said that most people on Water Street were in the 18 to 30 age group. Some with their families including children. And as to be expected not all were supervised. The beer tent which I believe is manned by the CSO was probably the money maker there but because some people don't know when enough is enough, there were numerous complaints of people who had too much to drink which the police were called upon to handle.
There were fireworks in all surrounding cities throughout the weekend and my question is how many of them were more than fireworks. It seems that we are truly missing something when the only thing we can provide for the young people is a beer tent. If they wanted to drink alcohol, there are several establishments who exist to service food and alcohol that could have provided that on Water Street.
I hope in the coming years, we can improve upon what we now have and perhaps offer continued events at Washington Park, music and food for those who do not want to be a part of the type of events on Water Street.
50 comments:
I have an after event question/thought.
I know that Peru budget is like many other cities in the USA, i.e, chicago, maybe a bit smaller. However with the big city like chicago being conservative and with budget constraints,CHICAGO CANCELLED THE FIREWORKS because of the cost.
Why is Peru better to spend our tax dollars on fireworks and Chicago saw to it as a wise move to cancel ? Do we have answers to wasting dollars on fireworks? Did we actually see fireworks or did we see dollars going up in smoke ?
Forgot to add the OT cost of any employees cleaning up the area today plus any extra police to watch for underage drinking or other mischief last night.
I did see that 20,000 was budgeted for last nights fireworks.
fireworks were great, some of us taxpayers actually enjoy them and they are not a waste, dont you love your country? i am very grateful for those who have served and are serving, and what a great time for all to remember them and thank them and forget about the couple of bucks you had to pay on your taxes.
7:12PM
Perhaps it would be nice if the city did have some patriotic way to show love of country and a thank you to all who serve our country while we enjoy freedom here at home but the event on Water Street paid for by the city in my opinion is not the way it is done. Did you hear any patriotic music played while the fireworks went off? How many people were looking to the skies and saying "God Bless our Troops" or Thank God for being able to live in freedom? It is kind of like watching a movie but certainly not what I would call inspirational.
It was a patriotic show last night if you tuned in to WAJK and listened to a show coordinated with the fireworks. The truth is that some people dislike everything, some dislike some things and the rest (majority) like what went on.
Lois, I must say, this is a post I just have to give my opinion on.
I too stopped by the Washington park festivities on the 3rd. Although I did not have young kids to take along, I found it to be rather comforting and fun. I went for the car show but walked through the rest of the park, kids were having fun with their parents, the volunteers seemed to be really enjoying doing all they did, I heard laughing and seen many smiles. It reminded me of when I was a kid. The L-P band was there as I came walking up playing the National Anthem. I started to choke up a bit.. Kudos to the Mayor and the Aldermen that were there..This was a true Family Fun Event.
I must say that the evening Fireworks was the same ole thing. I heard people complaining that Utica held a better display the night before and that Hennepin holds the best. As I got home i flipped on the scanner to hear of several Teens being arrested for being drunk. One female 16 year old was taken by ambulance to the hospital due to being unconscious from alcohol consumption.
I listen to my scanner every night and must say that the water street festivities brings on nothing but trouble and chaos.I cant remember the last time I have heard of 16 year olds being rushed off due to alcohol consumption. WHAT IS GOING ON???
Does the CSO contribute back to the fire works display of 20,000.00? is that how much we tax payers are paying for 20 minutes of a display? Thats 1000.00 per minute!!
I have 2 new Aldermen in my district, I will be contacting them to voice my concerns over this.
The 4th of July is not about families including teens getting intoxicated and causing fights, as there were several by the rescue station after the display.
We need to have a real 4th of July celebration in Peru. Parade, family fun and a day of appreciation for our country.
9:08PM
How many people brought along their radios so they could coordinate the event. No one I talked to knew anything about the radio. Was it broadcast over loud speakers for everyone to hear as they watched? That would have been nice.
You surely know that many of the people who were there on Water Street for the event were not from the Peru area and it was only a place to be and to see who else was there, kind of like a giant block party.
9:12PM
Kudos to you for your well thought out reply and need I say I am in complete agreement with you. Lets work with our aldermen, business people and others to make next years July 4 bigger and better and most of all family oriented.
Actually Uptown in La Salle advertised, come and sit on our patio and watch the fireworks, so I guess we are actually paying for people in both cities and more to watch. But I am sure that was a given but will remember that I can also drive my car to La Salle to watch and not have to fight the crowds and other inconveniences.
Wow...complaining about fireworks?? So we shouldn't have fireworks on the 4th of July? I don't think there is anything that could make you people happy. By all means go to LaSalle, maybe you should move there if it's so great. I agree that the public needs to keep government honest, but this is pretty sad. Oh and Chicago had their fireworks at Navy Pier last night, on the 4th. They are usually on the 3rd.
Will there even be another "FUN DAY" next year? Don't forget, this wasn't planned just for the fun of it. It was planned to benefit the Friends of the Pool fund. I'm wonder whether they would keep putting in this work and effort even if the pool goal was met?
9:10AM
Chicago cancels July 4 fireworks, leaves shows to Navy Pier
Suntimes ^ | 6/01/2011 | FRAN SPIELMAN
Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2011 4:00:07 PM by blueyon
Chicago cancels July 4 fireworks, leaves shows to Navy Pier Chicago is getting out of the Independence Day fireworks business.
There will be no city-run July 3rd or July 4th fireworks show this year — not even a scaled-down version — thanks to former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s decision to hand off the Taste of Chicago to the Park District to reverse $7 million in festival losses over the last three years.
That means Chicago’s only official fireworks will be the previously scheduled show at 9 p.m. July 4 at Navy Pier. That 15-minute show is paid for by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority.
Chicago Park District spokesperson Jessica Maxey-Faulkner said the decision to cancel even last year’s smaller fireworks at three lakefront locations was a sacrifice demanded by the economic times.
Fireworks on the 4th are as American as baseball and apple Pie...I guess I'm sorry you feel different. There were some issues due to alcohol, but they were very few in the grand scheme of things. There were ALOT of people there and there are always a few bad apples, but obviously the majority did NOT cause problems. There is an area designated for families to enjoy the fireworks....I guess what I'm trying to say is, the same people complaining that there were fireworks would be complaining that the city was un-American if they didn't have them. I really think you need to pick your battles and complaining about fireworks, to me, is not one of them.
9:59AM
Some of what is being said is because the city needs money for everything and it all becomes "needs" versus "wants". If Peru is in need of more money than they presently have in the general fund and it has been said, we generally run about 10 days funding, then we should find another way to fund their fireworks. I believe Ottawa only spent 5,000 versus our 20,000. People are working to fund a swimming pool because the city can not and the same should be said for the fireworks. If I had not seen the amount of 20,000 allotted for the fireworks, I would not be complaining. I still would prefer an easily accessible area that is a beer tent free area but this is a free country (at least to a certain extent).
Its bad enough that we have areas on our Main Street that seem to be a spawning ground for the bad behavior shown by too much alcohol that we don't need to upfront this on what is supposed to be a day for families.
In reference to 9;12s comment of a 16 year old girl being taken by ambulance to the hospital because she was unconscious due to alcohol consumption, and several teens being arrested because they were drunk.
The fireworks are put on for peoples enjoyment and are not the blame of teenage drinking.
The teenage girl was taken to the hospital for her illegal consumption. What SOP's does the hospital have to legally follow in this unfortunate incident?
What does the Peru Police Dept. do in this situation? Has there been a investigation into who else was in the company of this young girl - adult and /or peers? Where was the alcohol obtained and what were the charges against the illegal supplier? In the overwhelming majority of underage drinking cases the alcohol is obtained at someones home. No matter where it is obtained the supplier should be charged.
What charges have been instituted against the 16 year old who has broken the law. What charges have been pressed against the balance of the teenagers who were picked up for illegal drinking and what part of this situation will their parents have to play in the scheme of things?
If underage drinking is just getting a start at the fireworks I hope a strict and fair penalty will be enforced upon all who are involved as a forewarning that the City of Peru wants everyone to be able to enjoy themselves and have fun but not break the law. If this is a normal problem of the Fourth of July or any other time lets advertise what the consequences of underage drinking will be and than rigidly enforce them before others suffer a much greater penalty. I do hope everyone was lucky this time!
The first precaution should be a article in the local newspaper about these incidents TONIGHT if it is not going to be published TONIGHT than at the latest TOMORROW NIGHT.
Correction: The total cost of the fireworks was 40,000 of which 20,000 was paid for by the city and the other 20,000 was paid for by the CSO.
And that would pave how many miles of city roads?
did the city really spend $40,000 on fireworks the other night?
Firework displays are very expensive as are baseball and apple pie. The difference between the fireworks and the other two are that the city tax revenue is paying for fireworks and the individual family pays for baseball and apple pie.
It is now becoming more evident that there were quite a few issues due to alcohol and each should be taken seriously in the grand scheme of things.
Fireworks are to celebrate the Declaration of Independence and because one does not believe they are a necessity to have every year does not make that person any less of an American but could indicate that they are a mature economically sensible individual who realizes Peru is in a financial bind and should spend tax money in a responsible manner. Yes the Peru CSO will donate $20,000 of the approximate $50,000 the Peru fireworks display will cost (city public works employees, police dept, portable facilities etc),
If you are at a loss as where to go to see fireworks you could ask someone from LaSalle who does not have them as where to go to see a display.
I will submit a list of surrounding towns which had fireworks this year: Hennepin, Henry, Mendota, Ottawa, Princetown, Spring Valley, Streator, Utica, Walnut, and several private showings.
To all those who want to use the excuse of its for the kids remember the play gound equipment form Roosevelt Grade School which was donated to Dalzell instead of putting it up in the southwest side of Peru. The Dept of Public Works did not have the manpower to perform the job, but had summer help of 39 last year and 41 this year. There was also a complete lack of volunteers. Maybe a wise choice would have been to use this firework money for playground equipment for the kids that live in that part of Peru and don't have any.
LaSalle miles or Peru miles?
Ottawa's fireworks were closer $30,000, not $5,000. LOTS of donations - people walking through the crowds and committees collecting throughout the year. Major hard work. The best in the entire Illinois Valley, although I heard Hennepin rocked too! Peru's was very good too. It was free for all to view. Instead of comparing the quality of the firework displays, let's find a veteran and shake his or her hand and say "thanks for all you've done for me and my family."
The activities at Washington Park this Sunday were great!! Family Fun!!! Can't wait for next years. Hope it's bigger and better, but please don't bring in those tacky carnivals or beer gardens. Everyone had a great time that we talked to. Could we add theme nights like they use to have behind John's place back in the 80's? Little dining, little music, little dancing??
Speaking of family activities for tourists coming into our area last Fridays July 1 newspaper had a interesting piece on page A3 in "Follow that bill"
"State Bills
Public Act 97-0051-Allows alcohol to be sold or dispensed on the replica boat on the Illinois and Michigan Canal near LaSalle. Effective immediately. Senate Bill 1835 filed Feb 9,2011 by Sen Dave Syverson (R-Rockford). Passed the Senate 55-0 on April 7, 2011. Amended version passed the House 76-38, with one abstention on may 30,2011. Rep. Frank Mautino (D- Spring Valley voted yes. Senate concurred 54-1 on Myy31, 2011. Sen Sue Rezin R-Morris voted yes.Signed into ;aw June 29, 2011, by Gov. Pat Quinn."
Do you think this was the long range plan for the boat to begin with? Another fine example of your tax $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$'s at work.
The money makers were the bars and restaurants on water street. The residents pay for the fireworks, police, cleanup, ect. I hope the bars/restaurants give some back. The CSO profits go toward Peru celebrations, decorations, entertainment for the 4th, porta poties. It looks to be unfair that a few profit from a community celebration.
4:07pm
Of course the fireworks in Ottawa cost more than 5,000 but that is what it cost the city (at least that was the figure I heard about) and the rest of the money was raised by various means, donations etc. This is a great way to fund the event.
Please recall that this Fun Day would not have occurred were it not for the Friends of the Pool. They may plan on doing it again if they don't reach their goal but I don't think they intend to do it on a regular basis.
5:33PM
But the Friends of the Pool consists of some members if not all of the recreation commission and it would be very easy to transition the ideas to them. I think it can be a very workable arrangement for the good of the community.
I completely understand the controversy regarding the cost of the fireworks in the City of Peru. But I would like to commend the city for a very nice display which our group was able to watch from the Boat Club.
As somewhat older adults, we prefer to avoid the beer garden and the conglomeration of people in that area as it has always seemed to be a party for the younger crowd. I'm probably off-topic, but I do think that area needs to be better controlled to avoid the incident of the young lady who passed out on the way up the hill from Water Street. The police can only do so much if others are buying and then passing along drinks to those who underage. Or perhaps that wasn't the case. In any event, a Peru officer and ambulance were immediately on the scene.
As for fireworks, the City of Peru had much more than the display they presented. I don't know if there is an ordinance regarding fireworks at private residences, but it is apparent that just about anyone in Peru can have their own fireworks display, whether large or small, at any hour of the day or night during the holiday weekend. IMHO, that is not celebrating the Fourth of July. It is merely a conscious effort to annoy one's neighbors and pets.
Maybe the cement benches and tables went to Dalzell.
I have always been under the impression that the city supported fireworks so that private residences would not have them. It is very annoying to both humans and animals, and as far as any legal enforcement the noise factor is a enforceable ordinance, as is disturbing the peace.
If anyone wants to create band- aids and excuses for the ability of underage to drink and police enforcement I would advise the groups selling alcohol to hire their own security force. It is the responsibility of those serving alcohol to know where it is going and to determine if it is always the same few that are buying for the entire group.
Well I did as I said I was going to do in my 9:12 post and contacted alderman perez to voice my concerns. He told me they are working on making that fun day an annual event and even making it bigger regardless of the swimming pool. mr. perez also stated that his goal is to, work with the other alderman to either move the fire works to another location that is family oriented or have the CSO move their beer garden somewhere else, but he say's the cso does not fund the fire works display and costs the city roughly 25,000.00 per year and that last year the city paid almost 35,000.00 for the display and nearly 5-7000.00 in other city charges so I guess that comes out close to 40,000.00
This isnt against the fire works or independence day as I'm a viet Nam veteran so please don't cheapen my complaint that the city of peru is having a beer garden celebration using the 4th of july as the excuse to get drunk on our tax dollars, Lets lead by example and show our children what Independence day and sharing family time is really about.
Lets all call our city officials as i did and ask them to work together to give peru a true meaning of family fun on the 4th of july.
9:25 PM, 7/5/11 This means that the Peru CSO WOULD NOT be exempt from prosecution if in fact it was proven they sold the alcohol. Keep in mind that there were more underage people caught drinking and yet very few were listed by the paper. I would also venture to say that very few of those individuals caught were charged by the the police. Proving where the alcohol came from would be very very difficult (some could have and probably did come from private homes and purchased from a grocer, gas station, etc) However, no exception should be made by the Police....they must charge the individual and at least attempt to find out where or whom purchased the beverage. This endeavor is an ongoing 365 day part of their jobs and should not be forgiven just because it is the 4th of July.
I realize the CSO did the serving, but what organization was responsible for checking ID's and issuing the "over 21" wristbands? The reason I ask is because the person I saw issuing wristbands works for the park board, however, I'm not sure if he's also a member of the CSO. But I do know of a few 20 year olds who were issued wristbands. That should not happen. It's the wristband booth that needs to enforce the age, and the folks serving to enforce "no wristband, no beverage".
Tonight Alderman Perez brought up the subject of future Fourth of July celebrations in the city of Peru. He did a lot of research and has some very good ideas.
And what did our other elected officials have to say. Ferrari said he would be devastated if we would move the fireworks because he always has a big party to watch the ones on Water Street. Ald. Radtke agreed that we should look into alternatives and Ald. Potthoff was concerned about parking elsewhere.
Is this city this dysfunctional that we have to be concerned about one aldermans' personal party?
No one seemed to care about the chaos that Water Street has become. In other words they don't care that many families in Peru are unhappy with the current venue but the city doesn't care and is not interested in change.
Ald. Waldorf made some comment that I don't even recall because it was more of the same.
Tonight I felt that Peru has become a totally dysfuntional city with self interest the most important thing on anyones mind.
It doesn't seem to matter that we are spending a lots of money on the event, on the cleanup and with extra police OT to keep the event under control. It doesn't matter!
It doesn't seem to me that we care about wasting money at all any more. We pay O.T. to empty garbage cans. It was mentioned tonight that there is a wall of trees at Veteran's Park that was planted last year and appears to have been neglected and dying. Don't we have a horticulturist? The mayor also mentioned some trees that needed trimming. Shouldn't the horticulturist be on top of that kind of project? Spending money in wasteful manners seems to be the norm during these supposed hard times. And then the city wants us to fork over 1/2% sales tax for roads. I say - not until our governing body does everything they can to stop wasteful spending.
I believe you may have to spend money for cleanup and police control reguardless of the venue. Washington Park and Baker Lake have residential areas and will also have parking problems. You may have to contend with fireworks falling near homes. Also Washington Park has baseball fields and you may have a problem with tearing up the fields. The airport may be a solution, however you may have guidelines or flight restrictions. Like most ideas you need to look and review all the options. Maybe eliminate the fireworks? Ferrari and others have many picinis and family get togethers as a result of the fireworks, that is America. We talk about family events and the 4th of July celebration is a major family event in the community. Ferrari was simply emphasizing the dissappointment of many if the event was cancelled. To get rid of the problems you would have to eliminate alcohol sales and alcohol coolers, packages at the event. That of course would eliminate the profits that pay for the band, porta potties, profits that go back for christmas decorations. You may have a viewpoint on the 4th celebration, but please have specific ideas on a future course of action. It easy for a alderman to say we need to change the celebration and say he did research. Or use the money to build a pool.
9:04 AM
Washington Park was the venue for many years and there was never any problem with homes, schools, etc. One windy July 4 evidently someone experienced a burn and that was the end of it. Were they too close to the area, I don't know.
Perhaps it is time to change the type of fireworks we use that is easier to locate and less expensive to buy. It seems that aerials are the issue with cost.
At this time there was no talk of cancellations, only changes. If people like seeing that much money go up in smoke, that will be the decision that will be made. But then lets not hear that the city has no money because that will only be a smokescreen to raise some other fees.
Washington Park had a wonderful fireworks display. Things have changed. We now have a cell tower and well manicured ball diamonds. The water street area for the kids games is a terrible idea. No grass areas and no shade. The rec department is in charge and they should decide and will bid the project next year on schedule. City Council has a rec. department to evaluate the celebration.
I bet Ald. Rodney will some research on the Christmas Parade and maybe talked to some people that believe Santa is not real. And the city will be discusssing where the real Santa is. The city needs to get to work with real issues and let those who organize the events ponder on future improvements. The city has a recreation board, community service organization and various other groups that will do the job if they are allowed.
But, ANON 10:47 are these boards and organizations listening to the people and making changes and adjustments that could save money and make for better entertainment for the citizens? After all, they answer to no one,
I have heard through the grapevine that the recreation commission is not opposed to changes and would like to make this a more family friendly event than what exists at present.
Anyone remember the Taste of the Valley held by the YMCA in Centennial Park, started out a fun event and eventually turned into a nuisance to the neighborhood mostly because of alcohol abuse. People would urinate in peoples yards and on the street. Litter consisting of bottles and cans from alcohol cluttered family neighborhoods.
Any event that would be held in either of the parks for the Fourth or any event would need to remain alcohol free to continue to be welcome in the neighborhood. But then where you are asking children to come for a day of fun should be exactly that, alcohol free.
Water Street is not and never will be the location for children to freely have fun because of the Illinois River and its treacherous undercurrents.
I and others are asking for consideration for families especially those with children to make this a fun day for them to enjoy and remember. Adults can pick and choose where they wish to be but children cannot. If you want to be at a beer garden, perhaps the CSO will continue their operation for those adults.
The rec board probably feels that their hands are tied with the meddling Alderman. Please let them do their job. Many on the Rec board are well rounded smart individuals and don't need Ald. Perez to tell them where to put the moon walk. The Rec board and CSO are Peru people, what would make anyone think they are not listening to the people?
1:30 PM
The Recreation commission has a 50,000 budget to spend as they wish and do not have to respond to anyone and that includes the aldermen. I personally think that is not right and that the aldermen who are elected officials should have some input as to how the non elected commission spends the cities money (our tax dollars). I doubt that anyone ever attends their meetings unless requested to.
I would like to add that last year when the city was inquiring into various engineering firms to check our swimming pool, the only person from the rec commission that I ever saw attending those meetings was Barb Pyszka.
1:30 PM
The CSO is not interested in what the people think, only interested in what THEY think among themselves. They have become an organization of older MEN with less energy and ability to do much for the city anymore. I believe only one of our current council is a member. Last year I believe the number on the council was 5. Not many younger men are interested in being members.
Did we or did we not elect an alderman to represent our concerns in an orderly manner at council meetings? I believe Rodney had been contacted by different people in his ward and was simply inquiring about a change of location based on concerns from those citizens. I can't believe someone is bad mouthing him for doing his job as he was ELECTED to do! Our family quit going to Waterstreet probably 15 plus years ago because of the drunken behavior, fighting, mosquitos, and overall filth that surrounded the party goers at the beer gardens. Not a wholesome environment. Same with the Taste of the Valley. What started out to be a nice family event, just like what we recently experienced this past Sunday at Washington Park, turned out to be nothing more than fast food chain booths, drunks, drug addicts, fights, mud, garbage, and more filth. Maybe this is a crazy idea, but could we just have an event in this town without all the beer gardens to entertain the children? Maybe the CSO could think of another way to raise funds in a respectable manner.
Actually Lois I believe it's a $75,000 budget and from what I understand they are accountable to no one.
I agree with 2:12 above and would like to thank Alderman Perez for all his time and effort above and beyond his appointed duties. What people don't seem to understand is that he his trying to protect your tax dollar from wasteful spending while providing a family oriented community. It's too bad many of his suggestions and or ideas seem to be falling on deaf ears. Maybe if the rest of our council would put in half as much effort and look around this town we could avoid a great deal of wasteful spending that is quite visible for all to see. When questions are posed, or suggestions presented, or ideas formulated by the citizens of this town they seem to be ignored or put on the back burner. It's frustrating when you seek answers to wasteful spending and no one will acknowledge that it exists or investigate your findings.
3:05 Totally agree. He is, at least, taking a chance, challenging the status quo, and asking if different opportunities are available. I always say, "if we didn't challenge those in authority, we would still be back in England!"
You might also take a few minutes and read the comments under this topic on the News Trib. I hope the aldermen are who are reading this also go there to know how residents really feel.
I will hope to clear the air here.
I'm an ex- CSO member and a grandfather of 8 children. Alderman Perez is absolutely on the right page. My family no longer attends the water street fire works and I personally would not take my grandchildren there.
The water street festivities is not ran by the city park and rec board, it is ran by the CSO. The city pays for the fireworks and not even the park and rec is even welcomed to have booths or fun events without going through the CSO. every booth or vendor including the water street bars pay a fee to us, Yes the city pays for police and clean up etc. where really that expense should really fall into the pockets of the CSO being we are the only one's that can, and will make the revenue down there.
I heard that Alderman Perez made the comment that the city can save employee holiday doubletime wages by having the boy scouts and volunteers clean up the following day, if there were no beer glasses it would be an easy task.
Sounds brilliant to me. who pays the police overtime etc. when there are concerts at the airport? not the city.. the host has to pay that cost, so.. If this is a CSO ran event on waterstreet then Cso should have to pay the overtime security since they are the only one's that make any revenue down there.
Again; waterstreet as it stands is not a city event it's a CSO event that is now out of grred and not out of the best interest of families and fun. Sorry Tony!!!
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