For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – On July 4, the city of Wisconsin Rapids will launch their fireworks display from the Wisconsin River in downtown Wisconsin Rapids.

The display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m., and may be viewed along most of the river bank and in the downtown area, with the exception of the launch and safety zone on the western bank of the river from the foot of the Grand Avenue Bridge to south of the Moravian Church.

The Fourth of July Fireworks display will be choreographed to music, led off by the National Anthem sung by Aspiring Acapella. The Teen Fireworks Committee, part of the Mayor’s Youth Council, will start the show with the ceremonial lighting of the first shot.

Food and refreshment vendors set up during the day 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.

Reminders from the city:

• No tarps, blankets or chairs can be placed on the river bank or in any city park before 6 a.m. on July 4.Any article placed before that time will be removed. Do not place blankets over plantings or mulch.
• No parking will be allowed on Second Street South, between East Jackson Street and Mead Street, and no parking will be allowed on Birch, Maple, Walnut, Pine, Witter, Locust, and Mead Streets between Second Street South and Third Street South, from 6 a.m. on July 4 through the conclusion of the event.
• Parking spaces designated for individuals with disabilities will be available at the Moravian Church on Goggins Street, west side, and First Congregational Church, Maple Street parking lot, east side.
• Boaters:There will be a safety zone established based on weather conditions which will be set and monitored by boat patrols.  This will protect boaters from being in an area were fallout from the display could strike a person or boat and potentially cause injury, or a fire or explosion.
• Boaters are reminded to make sure there are sufficient certified flotation devices on board and the boat’s capacity is not exceeded.
• For easier departure at the conclusion of the event, park on the side of the river in which you live or the area from which you travel.
• Obey traffic direction provided by local law enforcement.
• Always yield to pedestrians and be especially alert for children.

In the event of inclement weather, stay tuned to local media and communications outlets for information.  If at all possible, a decision to cancel the display will be made by July 4 at 3 p.m. The alternate date, should the display be cancelled, will be July 5.