EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — When seniors from East Grand Rapids High School graduate on Thursday, May 23, they'll be marking an important milestone not only in their own personal lives but also in their community. This year's graduation will be the 100th at East Grand Rapids High School, and to celebrate the school district is planning a pyrotechnic display at the end of the ceremony.
There will be three launch areas set up on the visitors side of Memorial Field. No spectators or on-field participants will be allowed within 70 feet of the display. It will go off at about 8:30 p.m. and will last about 20 seconds. The display will force the temporary closure of the sidewalk behind the visitors bleachers.
At a meeting Monday night, the city commission approved a permit for the display. Only one commissioner voted "no," after mentioning concerns about people with pets, and those who experience post-traumatic stress disorder. However, city leaders did mention that the pyrotechnic displays will not be as large as the fireworks set off on the 4th of July. They also won't have any "concussive booms."
Nevertheless, leaders from the city and the school district plan to use the next few weeks to make people aware of the special ceremony and its pyrotechnic display, so that anyone who doesn't enjoy fireworks can plan accordingly.
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