Cape to move fireworks display to Arena Park

Organizers of Cape Girardeau's Fourth of July festivities announced Wednesday the city's fireworks display and other events will be moved to Arena Park because of Mississippi River flood conditions.

Julia Thompson, the city of Cape Girardeau's parks and recreation director, said while the river might be low enough to open the flood gate at Broadway Street by July 4, it might not be low enough to open the gate at Themis Street.

The Mississippi River level at Cape Girardeau on Wednesday reached a crest of about 43 feet, according to the National Weather Service. The river will remain at "major stage" flooding for the next few days, with water levels falling into the "moderate stage" flooding category by the weekend.

"The river will be very high, and there will be mud, logs and debris to clear and walkways to clean, which typically takes city staff a number of days to prepare so that the public can access the area safely," Thompson said. "At this time, we did not feel it was prudent to delay a decision on the event being only 10 days away and with the forecast being uncertain.

"The fireworks company also has to have time to prepare a different show, as the firing and bursts are much closer to event attendees and do not need to be as large or as high as on the river."

Fireworks displays and other events were at Arena Park from 2009 to 2013. The fireworks display returned to the riverfront last year.

"We are hopeful that next year the weather will be more in our favor," Thompson said.

Event access at Arena Park will be similar to previous years, and eventgoers will have access to most areas of the park, including the grandstands, to view the free program and show.

The city still plans a 15- to 18-minute display -- longer than in years past.

"The event and fireworks will be a great experience at Arena Park," Thompson said. "Everything is up close and personal as we have hosted it many times at this location."

If rain causes a cancellation, fireworks will be launched at 9:15 p.m. July 5 at Arena Park.

The event schedule remains the same:

• 6:45 p.m. -- Patriotic music by the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band
• 7:15 p.m. -- U.S. District Court naturalization ceremony
• 8 p.m. -- Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award presentation
• 9:15 p.m. -- Fireworks at Arena

klamb@semissourian.com

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410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.