City of Wisconsin Rapids Announces Independence Day Celebration

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (OnFocus) – Independence Day is fast approaching and plans are underway to make it a safe, enjoyable and memorable holiday for Wisconsin Rapids residents and visitors.

On Thursday, July 4, one of the area’s best fireworks displays will be launched from the Wisconsin River in downtown Wisconsin Rapids. The display will begin around 9:30 p.m. and can be viewed along most of the riverbank and downtown area, with the exception of the boat launch and safety area on the west side of the river , from the foot of the Grand Avenue Bridge south of the Moravian River. Church.

The DJ, Entertainment Engines, will begin playing music at 6 p.m. and the national anthem will be sung by Miss Wisconsin Rapids teen Addison Morin immediately before the fireworks begin. Food and refreshment vendors will be located on West Grand Avenue on the west side of the river and on Second Street South south of East Grand Avenue on the east side of the river.

The Wisconsin Rapids City Band will perform outside the Centralia Center, 220 Third Avenue South, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The fireworks display relies on donations from citizens and businesses, and donations are always accepted. Visit www.wirapids.org/donate or contact the Finance Department at 715-421-8233 to make a donation.

If you plan to attend this event, please consider the following when planning:

• No tarpaulins, blankets or chairs may be placed on the banks of the river or in City parks before 6 a.m. on July 4. Any item placed before 6 a.m. will be removed. Do not place covers over plantings or mulch.
• No parking will be allowed on Second Street South, between East Jackson Street and Mead Street, from 6 a.m. July 4 until the end of the event.
• No vehicle traffic will be permitted on Birch, Maple, Walnut, Pine, Witter, Locust and Mead streets, between Second Street South and Third Street South, from 3 p.m. July 4 until the end of the event .
• No vehicle traffic will be permitted on West Grand Avenue, between Second Street South and Third Avenue South, from 3:00 p.m. on July 4 until the end of the event.
• Disabled parking will be available at the Goggins Street Moravian Church (west side) and the First Congregational Church in the Maple Street parking lot (east side).
• Boaters:
  • A safety zone will be established (depending on weather conditions) which will be defined and monitored by boat patrols. This will prevent boaters from being in an area where fallout from the screen could strike a person or boat and potentially cause injury, fire or explosion.
  • Boaters are reminded to ensure there are sufficient certified flotation devices on board and that the boat’s capacity is not exceeded.
  • For an easier start at the end of the event, park on the side of the river you live in or the area you are traveling from.
  • Follow traffic instructions provided by local law enforcement.
  • Always yield to pedestrians and be particularly attentive to children.
  • Take the time you need to get home safely.

In the event of inclement weather, stay tuned to local media and outlets for information. If possible, the decision to cancel the exhibition will be made before 3 p.m. on July 4. The alternative date, if the exhibition is canceled, will be Friday July 5.

A notice would be immediately broadcast on the following media:

• City of Wisconsin Rapids Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/WIRapids
• Wisconsin Rapids Community Media: Solarus Channel 3, Charter Channel 985, www.wr-cm.org
• Nixle: sign up for Nixle alerts on nixle.com or by texting your postal code to 888777

Also, regarding the possession, sale or use of fireworks, everyone should be reminded of the following:

• Municipal Ordinance 20.04(1)(a) authorizes individuals and organizations to purchase, possess, and use only fireworks authorized by Chapter 167 of the Wisconsin Statutes. This would include sparklers, cones and stationary fountains, toy snakes, smoke bombs, caps, noise makers and confetti bursts containing less than one quarter (¼) grain of explosive mixture. These items are legal without a permit.
• Any device containing more than one-fourth (¼) grain of explosive powder, which emits a noise, discharges a flame, or leaves the ground may not be sold, possessed, or used in the City of Wisconsin Rapids.
• All other fireworks, including Roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, mortars, etc. are illegal, except for groups with a permit. Anything that explodes or leaves the ground is illegal without a permit.

Our thanks to the City of Wisconsin Rapids staff who participated in the planning process and those who will assume responsibilities during the event. And a special thank you to our colleagues in law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services and rescue who dedicated time and resources to make this event safe.

From all of us in the City of Wisconsin Rapids, have a very safe and enjoyable Independence Day.

We appreciate your stories! Contact us at (protected email)!