There will be a fireworks display this evening at the Arena Park grandstand in Cape Girardeau.
The color guard presentation will begin at 9:00 p.m., followed by the Southeast Missourian’s presentation of the Spirit of America Award winner. Fireworks will start around 9:15 and will last 20 to 30 minutes.
According to David Blanchard of the National Weather Service, weather conditions will be almost perfect for viewing the fireworks show. He said that recent rain has moistened the ground which means good news for fireworks.
“It would be safer this year for fireworks displays,” Blanchard said. “Ground moisture is rather high, so there’s less of a chance of anything getting out of control.”
Blanchard added that temperatures will remain cool for the day, with little chance of rain during the show. Julia Thompson directs Cape Girardeau’s Parks and Recreation Department. She encouraged people to show up a little early.
“You’ll have plenty of time to get your family barbecues in and whatever things that you’ve got going on for the Fourth and still be able to make it to the show. I would probably arrive no later than about 8:30 for a good location,” Thompson said.
Thompson asked that people not bring personal fireworks, and encouraged viewers to be patient while exiting the park after the fireworks.
“We will have our police department directing traffic and making sure the lines are going smoothly and trying to get people out of here as quickly as possibly. It will help if everybody’s not in a hurry,” Thompson said.
This year’s fireworks display will cost about $10 thousand and is funded through donations.