Central Montana Times

The 4th of July holiday is fast approaching! There are several events taking place that the whole family can enjoy, including the Great Falls Municipal Band's Summer Celebration, the annual 4th of July Parade, the Eagle Falls Golf Course Community Party, a free downtown concert by Morgan Evans, and the community fireworks display. 

The Great Falls Municipal Band will present a free Summer Celebration Concert on Wednesday, June 28, in the Mansfield Convention Center. Doors open at 5:30 pm (concessions will be available), and pre-concert entertainment from Miss Linda's Studio Centre will begin at 6 pm. The concert will start at 7 pm and will feature familiar patriotic selections. For more information, contact Phil Burton at (406) 899-9982.    

Don't miss the 4th of July Parade! On Tuesday, July 4, grab your lawn chair and find your favorite viewing spot along the parade route. As a safety precaution, remain behind the rope markers and avoid crossing the parade route. The parade begins at 11 am sharp, and the route runs from 1st  Avenue South to 8th  Street, north to Central Avenue, and then heads west to Park Drive and disbands in Margaret Park (north of the Civic Center). Please do not park vehicles along the parade route. There are several parking facilities available within walking distance of the parade. For more information about the parade, contact Lola Galloway at 406-750-4721. The 4th of July Hootenanny, with live music, will begin immediately after the parade on Central Avenue 5th Street. For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/downtownsummerjam.

Cool off after the parade by sliding down the Power Tower Plunge, climbing the Kersplash Rock Wall, or hitting the riptide slide and chillin' in the Lazy River at the Electric City Water Park. Little ones can enjoy playing in the swimming pools or splashing in the Squirt Zone. There is fun for the entire family at the water park. The Electric City Water Park will be open from 12 pm until 6 pm. 

Later in the evening, take the whole family to the People's Park & Recreation Foundation community fireworks display. The best viewing of the community fireworks display will be at Elk's-Riverside Park (River Drive North between Central & 6th Street) and will begin at around 10:15 pm (when it gets dark) from West Bank Park. West Bank Park will be closed all day for the pyrotechnics to set up the display. Parking is available at Gibson Park. 

The People's Park & Recreation Foundation collects donations throughout the year for the annual fireworks display. Please show appreciation by donating to the "Fireworks Forever Fund" during the parade, or donations can be mailed to:

                              Fireworks Forever Fund

                              c/o People's Park and Recreation Foundation

                              P.O. Box 2106

                              Great Falls, MT 59403

Other firework viewing options include Eagle Falls Golf Course and Centene Stadium. The Great Falls Voyagers are also in town, and the game begins at 7 pm with fireworks to follow. The golf course is hosting a free Community Celebration starting at 6 pm with live music, games for kids, and food and drink specials in the Taphouse. For those who want to play golf, sign up for the nine-hole, two-person scramble beginning at 5 pm - $20 for pass holders and $40 for non-pass holders. For more information, call Eagle Falls at 406-761-1078.  

As a reminder, leave your fireworks at home. As in previous years, fireworks may not be discharged in any city park or on any public sidewalk, Street, public right-of-way, public easement, or alley. They should only be discharged on private property, such as the sidewalk leading to a residence or driveway. If your family plans on discharging fireworks within the City limits this year, make sure you are in the know about the City's Fireworks Ordinance and understand the basic rules and regulations pertaining to fireworks. The discharging of fireworks within the City limits can only take place on July 2, 3, and 4 from 8 am to midnight.

Enjoy the festivities! The City of Great Falls wishes everyone a safe and happy 4th of July. City offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.

Original source can be found here.