Alton, Mo. – When we attend events, we have expectations. Some belong to drinks and temperatures. Some belong to safety. And some belong to maintenance and hygiene. When it comes to Alton’s fireworks, they flunked the bathroom availability part.
History
For the second year in a row, the Only toilet facilities provided to fireworks celebration attendees are the two permanent toilets near the playground. In the past, porta-potties have been available at both ends of the track. Although one was out in the field, it was locked. Who wants to wait 30 minutes in line to use a toilet ? That was the case on Friday.
Numbers
No count has been issued as to the number of attendees at the Alton fireworks celebrations. However, it is definitely comparable to the Walnut Festival or other large gatherings.
The vendors include food and drink vendors, as usual.
Society dictates that for 100 people, the standard is 2 portable toilets for short gatherings, or 3 to 4 units for longer events (over 4 hours), or events with food. As the gates opened at 5 and fireworks did not begin until after 9, this is an event lasting over four hours, with food and drink. For 100 people, the industry standard is 2 portable toilets for short gatherings, or 3 to 4 units for longer events (over 4 hours), or events with food.
City Hall
When asked last year why an insufficient number of toilets were provided, AltonMo.com was told it was too late; the event is in the past. Unfortunately, they forgot the attendees’ discomfort and repeated their performance by Again not providing sufficient toilets.
Do city council members attend the event? Do they wait in long lines of fifteen or more people just to use the toilet? Or do they choose to ‘go between the cars’? If the city council does not attend their own events, why are they on the city council?
As City Hall is getting a name for shutting down people’s voices (as in the case of the store and the park), will they shut down and cancel fireworks displays just to avoid renting enough toilets?
