Construction relocates July 4th fireworks show in Charles City

To The Press

Due to road repair work and traffic restrictions in downtown Charles City this summer, the annual Fourth of July fireworks show will be relocated to the southern edge of town on Sunday, July 4th.

It will be shot from the same location as it was last year when it was moved as a result of social distancing concerns during the pandemic.

The fireworks show is usually staged from the courthouse parking lot and Main Street Bridge. However due to construction work at the courthouse as well as downtown traffic congestion caused by work on Highway 18/Brantingham, the Charles City Public Safety Department requested that the show not be held downtown again this year.

“Hopefully we will be back downtown again next year,” said Community Development Director Mark Wicks.

The southside location does allow for slightly larger shells to be used in the show than what is permissible downtown, he said.

The shoot will begin at about 10 p.m. and take place off of Southgate Drive, which along with 18th Street to the Cedar Valley Transportation Center will be closed that night.

Ample parking for viewers is available in the Fareway and CUB Bank parking lots, along with the surrounding area.

“Please do not park along South Grand Avenue or the Avenue of the Saints to watch the show,” Wicks said.

“The fireworks show is organized through the Main Street Charles City program and completely funded by community donations,” Wicks said. “The more donations, the bigger the show.”

To help support the annual Fourth of July Fireworks, send checks to Main Street Charles City, 401 North Main St., Charles City, IA 50616, and put “Fireworks” in the memo line. All fireworks donations are earmarked solely for the show.