July 4th planners keep eye on Cape river level

Despite the chance of flooding this Fourth of July, the fireworks by the river front are continuing as scheduled.

According to parks and recreation director Julia Thompson, if the weather does take a turn for the worse, the latest the city will decide to move the fireworks is Wednesday.

"The gates aren't going to close based on the current prediction," Thompson said.

It is projected that the river will be rising in upcoming days to approximately 31 feet; once the river reaches 35 feet the floodwall will have to close.

Thompson said if the river reaches unsafe levels then they will have to re-evaluate whether they should continue with their plan of launching the fireworks on the river as planned or move the launching location elsewhere.

A barge will be used to shoot the fireworks on the east bank of the river.

The backup plan is to relocate the fireworks display to its previous location at Arena Park, which is where they have been for the past six years.

Finding space for the fireworks enthusiasts isn't something the city is particularly worried about, although with the rising water the steps and brick slopes along the river walk will be submerged.

Thompson said the public works department thought that the river walk, which is roughly 14 feet wide, would be dry for the event.

The fireworks will be very visible Thompson said, and being right along the river won't be necessary to enjoy the view.

"If there's not enough standing room, if we can't accommodate that amount of people, we may encourage higher ground," she said.

Thompson recommended locations such as the River Campus or the Common Pleas Courthouse's grassy slopes to enjoy the view.

Thompson is expecting between 3,000 and 5,000 people at the event Friday. She said this year is a great opportunity to see how many participants attend and help the city plan for the future.

Police officers will be directing traffic on the Fourth, with Water and Spanish streets being closed during the event. Thompson said the streets will be closed from the intersections of Broadway to Independence Street.

There will be a shuttle service offered from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday at the Show Me Center according to Thompson. She estimated the shuttles would be running every 10 to 15 minutes, but that patrons should allow more time at the end of the night due to everyone trying to leave at once.

It seems that all will be well for the festivities planned this Independence Day, but Thompson said they are watching closely and monitoring the water levels to ensure that no rain affects this year's fireworks display.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau riverfront