SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (WLS) — Those planning to go to the South Holland fireworks display this year will have to pay a fee if they are not a resident.

The village is charging a $10 fee at the gate for non-residents to attend Friday’s Fourth of July celebration.

Community members spoke with ABC7 as they reacted to the announcement.

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The village’s traditional Fourth of July fireworks show is set to light up the night sky on Friday at Veterans Park. On Thursday, preparations were well underway for the event, which sees the largest attendance of any gathering in the village.

This year, there will be fees for people who are not residents to get inside the park to watch the fireworks show.

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“This year, our goal is to truly celebrate our residents by ensuring they enjoy an outstanding fireworks event within their own community,” expressed Julia Huisman, the director of communications for South Holland. “We wanted to put our residents first.”

For those who are not residents of South Holland and are over the age of 5, entry will be $10 per person if paying at the gate. However, tickets can be purchased in advance for a discounted price of $8 online at southholland.org, available until 5 p.m. on Friday.

“The crowds were crowding out residents, even spots in the park to sit, so we were hearing from residents they would rather stay home,” Huisman said.

Some residents expect the fee may help with crowd control.

“Parking is plentiful, the park is nice, the neighborhood is nice, the weather has been perfect, so for $10 you will get your money’s worth,” South Holland resident Yolanda Miller said.

Some other residents do not agree with the fee.

“I think during the holidays it should be free, because there’s a lot of kids who want to see the fireworks, and it kind of shut people out,” South Holland resident Derrick Harrison said.

There’s no doubting the holiday spirit at the Moragne-Harris household down the street from the park. The South Holland residents welcome people to take pictures with their numerous displays and watch the fireworks for free from their street.

“That’s not fair. That’s going to limit the people who come out, and they come because they don’t want to come downtown, and they can see it here. That’s not right,” South Holland resident Donna Harris said.

South Holland residents planning on coming to Veterans Park should have a ID or utility bill. Anyone 18 and under must be with a parent or guardian.