Full Notification

Posted by VOICE Staff on July 3, 2012 in News Briefs
WR Fire Marshal: Fireworks display to continue as scheduled
The City of Wisconsin Rapids wants people to know the firework display will go on as scheduled July 4.
“There seems to be some rumors floating around the city that the fireworks are getting cancelled,” wrote Todd Eckes, fire marshal for the city. “We have no intentions of cancelling the fireworks unless there is inclement weather such as rain or strong storms.”
Due to the hot and humid weather, rumors had spread that the show was canceled, although Eckes claims that while a burning ban had been issued for Juneau County and further south, it did not include Wood County and show was going to go on.
“If the weather service predicts storms, and we can cancel by 3 p.m…all efforts will be made to do so,” he wrote.
As far as the heat from the past few days, Eckes encourages people to stay hydrated and stay in cool places when possible.
The show will begin approximately a half hour after dusk, he wrote.


From the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune
Todd Eckes, Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department captain of operations and fire marshal, has tips for residents preparing to enjoy fireworks and other Fourth of July events in Wisconsin Rapids on Wednesday:
Tarps, chairs and blankets
» Tarps, blankets and chairs are not allowed on river banks or at any city park before 6 a.m. Any article placed before this time will be removed, Eckes said in the release.
Parking
» Parking is not allowed on the following streets from 6 a.m. through the conclusion of events Wednesday:
-- Second Street South between East Jackson Street and Mead Street
-- Birch, Maple, Walnut, Pine, Witter, Locust and Mead Streets between Second Street South and Third Street South
» The Moravian Church, 310 First St. S., will allow parking on Goggins Street (west side) for designated individuals with disabilities. East side parking for disabled individuals will be provided on Maple Street at First Congregational Church, 311 Second St. S.
In the event of bad weather
The Daily Tribune will let readers know if the fireworks display needs to be canceled due to weather conditions.
If possible, the decision regarding any cancellation will be made by 3 p.m., the release said.
July 7 has been set as the alternate date to hold the fireworks display, should they have to be canceled Wednesday.
Find out more
See Wednesday's Daily Tribune for more information on the fireworks and other Wisconsin Rapids Fourth of July festivities.


From the Marshfield News Herald
The annual July 4th Fireworks Celebration at Marshfield Fairgrounds Park begins at 10 p.m. Wednesday.
The event is sponsored by Festival Foods.
Access to parking at the fairgrounds is on Peach Avenue, 14th Street and Vine Avenue. Peach Avenue between 15th and 17th streets will be from 9:30 p.m. until after the fireworks.
All spectators are reminded that they cannot be inside the barrier rope areas by order of the Marshfield Police Department.
The preferred spectator areas are the grandstand, north parking lot near the Curling Club, or the grass areas south of 17th Street. Your cooperation in staying out of the fireworks fallout areas is appreciated.
No personal fireworks are allowed in the fairgrounds area. It is against the law to shoot off any fireworks that leave the ground or explode.


July 4th festivities in Pittsville:
»Kiddie Parade begins at 11:30 a.m.
Kids may decorate their bikes, trikes and wagons with the parade theme in mind. The theme of this year's event and parade is America's Unsung Heroes. The kiddie parade is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary and Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department.
» The annual parade to celebrate July 4 begins at noon.
Both parades follow the same route.
More events in Pittsville July 4th:
After the parade, activities continue in Riverside Park. The ninth annual antique tractor show will have a huge display of various tractor brands, with the featured brand being "International Farmall." The "Old Tractor Parade" will be held at 3 p.m. Entries are welcome, as antique tractor enthusiasts represent a wide area.
Bingo will be played from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.
An outdoor grilled chicken dinner will be available in the shelter house, along with food booths and refreshment stands. Carnival rides and booths will be available throughout the day and evening. Music by "Ray and Jane Entertains" will be featured between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Evening activities include music by a band called In the Groove from 5:30 p.m. to
9:30 p.m., which will be followed by a huge fireworks display at about 9:45 p.m.
The Fourth of July festivities in Pittsville have always been known to be family oriented. The large park has many shade trees, good police security, first aid and ambulance service, and plenty of restrooms.
The Pittsville American Legion and Lions Club lead all communities of central Wisconsin with acceptable Fourth of July activities, as 50 years of continuous sponsorship would attest.
Marv Kohlbeck, from Pittsville, is a correspondent for the Marshfield News-Herald.