Families paint grass to reserve spots

You know how some people like to sit in the same church pew every Sunday? When it comes to the fireworks in Idaho Falls, families like to watch from the same spot every year. It’s a tradition. This year, spray paint seems to be the popular option.

Some folks going so far as to spray their name on the grass to make their family’s spot.

On Thursday, the City of Idaho Falls said spray painting or staking the grass is “discouraged – but not illegal.”

Here is the city’s statement in full:

“We have received a lot of phone calls regarding the staking off of spots around the Greenbelt and parade route. Please note the following information:

“It is not against the law to spray paint or stake out an area to reserve a spot for the parade or the fireworks. It is discouraged – but not illegal. The population of our city doubles on the Fourth of July. An additional 30 officers are on duty to help handle anything that comes up. People need to be aware of private property and try to work together to get along.

“The only time city officials will remove a stake or a rope on public property is when it interferes with city work, such as mowing, watering, etc.

“We encourage you to observe the spirit of the day and try to be patient with each other. All city property is available for use. If spray painting and staking are issues that the City Council needs to take a look at in the future, we can. However, it would be very difficult, and expensive, to enforce.”