Independence Day 2021 will be celebrated like never before across the United States. And while there won’t be a traditional parade due to road construction, Muscatine will still have a full day of events on Sunday, July 4 to mark the 245th birthday of our nation.
The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry is again organizing the events, starting with a kids parade from Second and Pine streets to the Musser Library at 9 a.m.
The Children’s Dress-Up Parade will start off the Independence Day festivities in Muscatine. Children and families are invited to BE the parade that will start at 9 a.m. in the parking lot at the intersection of 2nd and Pine streets.
“Dress as a favorite character, or in red-white-and-blue, or just come as you are,” Betty Collins, Youth Services Manager, said. “We will walk together down the street to Musser Library where we will have popsicles and water for everyone. It’s a sweet, simple, low-stress way to celebrate the United States of America, families, and children.”
The parade will move up Pine Street from the 2nd Street parking lot to 3rd Street and then down to Walnut and finish at the library.
Keep Muscatine Beautiful will then host the Almost Fireworks Fest on the Muscatine Riverfront from 3 to 8 p.m. in the community event area south of the basketball courts in Riverside Park featuring family-friendly activities such as bounce houses, face-painting, and more. Live music and food vendors will be on hand to bring the blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the day in the park.
The presentation of the Honor Guard and the reading of the Declaration of Independence will take place at 8:05 p.m. on the Almost Fireworks Fest stage with a patriotic concert by the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra starting at 8:10 p.m. at Pearl City Station
The evening wraps up starting at 9:30 p.m. as fireworks light up the sky over the Mighty Mississippi River.
Get more details at https://www.facebook.com/muscatinefireworks/.
Be safe in your celebrations
Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades, and fireworks. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal but they are not safe. Read more: Leave Fireworks to the Experts.
Additional fireworks safety information is available at:
- US Consumer Products Safety Commission: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
- Kid’s Health: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fireworks.html
- American Pyrotechnics Association: https://www.celebratesafely.org/
- Phantom Fireworks (fireworks distributor and seller): https://fireworks.com/education-and-safety/safety-tips
