Reminder from Police: Pets Not Allowed at July in the Sky

Dogs and snakes and ferrets …

Oh my.

Officer Charles Hicking has seen them all at the annual July in the Sky fireworks celebration.

Trouble is, they are not allowed.

"Yes … and dogs and ferrets just do not mix," Hicking said. It was, of course, a metaphor for a little extra angst the police get at the event each year.

"We just want everyone to know that pets of any kind are not allowed," he said. "Bringing a pet just puts the police and those wanting to enjoy the fireworks in a bad position."

Hicking, a community police officer assigned to Rockville, is slated for bike patrol at July in the Sky. The festivities are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in Rockville and at Henry Park. The fireworks display will begin shortly after dusk.

Hicking said yes, there was a snake once and ferrets did indeed make an appearance one year. Then, there are the pit bull terriers.

And dogs in general.

"We are just telling everyone to leave their dogs at home," he said. "It's going to be hot. We don't want someone to show up with a dog, already having found a good parking space and then have to tell that person to leave. It's going to be hot, so you can't leave a dog in the car. It just makes for a bad situation."

Skateboards and bicycles are only allowed for the annual Push, Pedal and Pull Patriotic Parade. Once the parade judging is over, they will have to be removed.