Hard to believe that we are already coming up on the Fourth of July! As my wife is a teacher, I always like to use this date as a signal that her summer vacation is half over---and you can just imagine how well this is received! (I'm bracing myself for the pushback from teachers throughout the world)!
With the Fourth of July comes fireworks! Last weekend we saw an estimated crowd of approximately 70,000 people enjoy a beautiful night of food, music, a human cannonball, and a truly spectacular display of epic fireworks as part of our "Shake the Lake" downtown extravaganza! Everyone that I spoke with seemed to be totally enthralled with the show and I tip my hat to the promoters (Madison Mallards and Festival Foods).
For those who could not attend "Shake the Lake," (or for those who can't get enough of pyrotechnics), there are still two locally-hosted dates to consider. Details are listed below. And remember, as a brief rule-of-thumb, if it goes up or blows up it's probably not a legal firework to set off without proper permitting!
The City of Madison Parks Department will present fireworks at Elver Park (1250 McKenna Blvd.) this Thursday, July 2nd. The event is free, and the fireworks will start at about 9:30pm. A few reminders:
- Parking is free in the Elver Park lot, until the lot fills.
- Please leave alcohol, grills and your own fireworks at home, as these are not permitted in the park. There will be food vendors selling food during the event.
- The fireworks will run about 30 minutes.
- There is no rain date. If weather is an issue, a decision will be made by 8pm as to whether the event will take place. Monitor MPD's twitter page for updates.
- Remember that Gammon Rd./McKenna Blvd. will be closed to vehicle traffic between Schroeder Rd.and Raymond Rd. from about 9pm until about 30 minutes after the fireworks (approximately 10:30pm). So please plan on using alternate routes during those times.
The Madison Mallards will present fireworks at Warner Park (Sherman Ave side) this Friday, July 3rd. The evening will start with a baseball game at 5:00 PM, followed by a concert and then the fireworks around 9:30 PM. A few reminders:
- Parking is free in the Warner Park lot, until the lot fills and free seating in the Mallard stadium half hour after the game..
- Please leave alcohol, grills and your own fireworks at home, as these are not permitted in the park. There will be food and drinks sold in the stadium.
- The fireworks will run about 30 minutes.
- There is no rain date. If weather is an issue, a decision will be made by 8pm as to whether the event will take place. Monitor MPD's twitter page for updates
- Remember that Sherman Ave will be closed to vehicle traffic between Windom Way and Northport Dr.. from about 9:30 pm until about 30 minutes after the fireworks (approximately 10:30pm). So please plan on using alternate routes during those times.