CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department is gearing up for the city’s Independence Day festivities, set to take place this weekend.

The city of Clearlake’s celebration will take place on Saturday, June 30.

The parade will start at approximately 11 a.m. There will be additional vendors and functions throughout the Austin Park Area during the day.

The fireworks show is scheduled to start around 9 p.m.

Lt. Tim Celli said parking has generally been an issue during the two main events due to the high volume of vehicles and pedestrian traffic.

He urged community members to prepare by allowing extra time to find parking, which he said may reduce the frustration and anxiety some people experience when dealing with large crowds.

Every year during the Independence Day festivities, the Clearlake Police Department dispatch center receives hundreds of additional calls for questions related to what time the parade and fireworks show start, Celli said.

Those calls bog down the phone lines, often making it difficult to call into the police department for emergencies or other business related services, he said.

Celli said the 911 emergency lines are for emergencies only. The business lines to the police department should be used for police business only.

Alcohol attributes to many of the problems that occur during this holiday weekend. “We would like to remind everyone that public intoxication laws will be enforced so please be responsible and please do not drink and drive,” Celli said.

Celli said there is no alcohol allowed in the parks other than the designated and permitted vendor area. In addition there are no glass containers permitted in the parks. The community is asked to observe the park rules which are posted at all the main entrances to the parks.

“We would also like to remind everyone that other than the permitted fireworks show, fireworks are not allowed in the city of Clearlake and enforcement action will be taken,” Celli said.

The Independence Day festivities are generally a very busy time for emergency services. Celli said there will be extra personnel working this day with additional assistance from other agencies as well, including traffic enforcement assistance from the California Highway Patrol. The Clearlake Police Department thanked the agencies providing assistance during the event.

“By following the laws and promoting mutual respect we believe everyone can have a safe and fun holiday weekend,” Celli said.