Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. on river

The weather has certainly remained hot for a few weeks, but it will heat up even more with the Fourth of July fireworks planned on the Illinois River at Cutright Park.

Activities kick off at 4 p.m. with vendors serving up tasty treats.

The Hair Company Kids will cook up a variety of food, and an antique John Deer ice cream maker will churn out root beer floats.

A general store will also be open for purchases that night.

One hour prior to the fireworks display, 4th of July committee members will scour the crowd with canisters seeking donations for the annual event. They will also go to other well-known viewing sites in town.

“If every person donated just a dollar, we’d be financially in good shape for next year,” said committee head Steve Maurer.

At 9 p.m., Mayor Troy Childers will open a short program. Local veterans will man the color guard and raise the flag, with David Leitch following as the guest speaker.

Then comes what everyone is waiting for at 9:15 p.m. — the 45-minute fireworks spectacular over the river.

Handicap parking will be located in the parking lot behind the Cutright Park restrooms.

Pine, Walnut and Elm streets will be closed. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged, said Maurer.