Big Sky Times

City of Great Falls issued the following announcement.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 4th of July activities will be conducted a little differently this year. Under the direction of the Cascade City-County Health Department and the City of Great Falls, the organizers of the 4th of July parade and fireworks show have developed plans following the Phase 2 guidelines and COVID-19 preventive measures.

To allow for social distancing, the annual 4th of July parade has expanded the parade route and has added “people pods” for spectator viewing. Early arrival is encouraged.  This year’s parade begins at 11:00 am with roads in and around the parade route closing at 10:00 am.  Parade organizers have doubled the parade route to accommodate more spectators. The parade starts at the corner of 2nd and 2nd South heading East on 2nd Ave. South to 7th Street, turn left to 1st Ave. South, head West on 1st Ave South, turn right on Park Drive, head East on Central Ave. turn left on 8th Street North to 1st Ave. North, to West on 1st Ave. North. The parade ends at the intersection of Park Drive and 1st Ave. North. The “people pods” will be 30’ wide with 10’ barriers between each of them. (Limit 25 people per pod). For more information about the parade, contact Lola Galloway at 406-727-4963 or 750-4721.     

The traditional fireworks show will also take place in Great Falls thanks to the People’s Park & Recreation Foundation’s Fireworks Forever Fund, and a generous donation from Steel Etc. and Jimmy and Debbie Filipowicz. In an effort to limit crowd size, two fireworks shows will be held simultaneously from West Bank Park and Centene Stadium beginning at 10:30 pm. At 6:00 am, both West Bank Park and Elks’ Riverside Park will be closed all day to the public to avoid large group gatherings and potential COVID-19 exposure. River Drive between 1st Ave. North and 6th Street will also be closed all day, starting at 6:00 am. For more information about the fireworks shows, contact Great Falls Park and Recreation Department at 406-771-1265 or Centene Stadium at 406-452-5311.

As a reminder for those discharging fireworks within the City limits, please follow the City’s Fireworks Ordinance, which will be enforced by the City’s police officers and firefighters. Residents can learn more about the City’s Fireworks Ordinance and rules/regulations and safety precautions relating to fireworks by visiting https://greatfallsmt.net/fire/independence-day-safety-reminders. 

The primary rules and regulations include:

• The selling and discharging of fireworks within the incorporated limits of Great Falls can only take place on July 2, 3, and 4 from 8:00 am to midnight (per City Code - §9.9).
• The minimum age to discharge fireworks is 10 years old.  Children younger than 10 years old partaking in the firework festivities must have a supervising adult within 10 feet, in order to control the application of flame or other means to discharge the firework.
• Residents should only discharge fireworks on private property (sidewalk leading to your residence and or driveway) and should always clean up any trash that is left behind from the discharging of fireworks.         

As families and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day, please follow the COVID-19 preventive measures and Phase 2 Guidelines. The City of Great Falls wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and happy 4th of July. City offices will be closed on the 4th of July. 

Original source can be found here.