Marquette will have July 4 fireworks but no parade

Garnavillo, Guttenberg cancel all activities

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

The Marquette Council, at its June 9 meeting, decided to cancel the city’s annual July 4 parade this year, but will move forward with fireworks. 

The fireworks will be shot off from the bluff behind the Cobblestone Inn and Suites Saturday night, July 4.

Another Marquette staple that will not happen this Independence Day is the Flea Market Under the Bridge. There will be arts and crafts vendors in nearby McGregor, though. Sponsored by the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce, the event will be held outside, around Triangle Park, with limited indoor vendors at the Backwoods Event Center.

In addition to Marquette, two other area communities, Monona and Harpers Ferry, said they still plan to hold fireworks celebrations on July 4.

Organizers in Garnavillo and Guttenberg said their communities will forego all activities, however. 

While fireworks would have been nice, the Garnavillo Community Boosters said it would be too costly.  

“Fireworks are the most expensive part of our celebration,” they explained. “We have had to cancel two fundraising activities because of COVID. And without the parade donations, our fireworks account looks meek and would severely impact our display for next year.”

Those who would like to contribute to next year’s event can send donations to 305 N. Monroe St., Garnavillo, IA 52049.

The Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the city’s annual Stars and Stripes celebration, said it had hoped to merely postpone the event to Labor Day weekend. Even that was not possible, though. 

A fireworks display will be held at the 30th anniversary celebration of GermanFest in Guttenberg on Sept. 25-26, if possible.