Alton Area Fireworks Shows Still . . .

Happening Despite River Flooding

Fireworks over the Mississippi River and Clark Bridge in Alton, Illinois. Even with the historic flooding, the Alton fireworks are still scheduled for Wednesday, July 3.
Fireworks over the Mississippi River and Clark Bridge in Alton, Illinois. Even with the historic flooding, the Alton fireworks are still scheduled for Wednesday, July 3.

The damage left behind at the Alton Amphitheater and adjacent Riverfront Park prompted the cancellation of the June 29 BBQ, Bikes & Blues event and postponed the June 30 International SUNday activity at the Amphitheater.

“Even though the floodwaters have mostly receded, the Amphitheater grounds require significant cleanup. More than $50,000 in damage has been identified with that number likely to increase,” Robert Stephan, Amphitheater Commission Chairman said.

Even still, visitors can sit beside the great Mississippi River while watching fireworks illuminate the night sky and reflect vivid colors onto the river’s water during the free Alton Fireworks Spectacular on Wednesday, July 3. This dazzling fireworks display will be launched from the Illinois side of the Mississippi River due to the flooding. As one of the few firework displays over the river, it is a must see for all. There will be restricted parking in the Henry Street/Argosy parking lot; however, there is available parking for viewing at Russell Commons Park, Barth Park, and street parking in downtown Alton. The Liberty Bank Amphitheater grounds will be closed to vehicle and foot traffic. The fireworks will begin with a bang at approximately 9:30 p.m. and last 30 minutes.

Bluff City Grill, 424 E. Broadway, Alton, and Old Bakery Beer, 400 Landmarks, Blvd., Alton, will offer July 3 viewing party celebrations. Or simply enjoy the fireworks at St. Mary’s Church, on the corner of 3rd and Langdon Streets in Alton, during the annual St. Mary’s Fireworks Fest July 3. This family-friendly event begins at 4 p.m. Celebrate the night with live music at Mac’s Downtown, 315 Belle St., Alton.

Another option is to blast off your Independence Day celebration at Godfrey’s Family Fun Fest on Thursday, July 4 at Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a patriot bike decorating parade around the park. Admission is free and activities will continue throughout the night until the firework display at 9:15 p.m. Call (618) 466-1483 for additional information.

Other Illinois fireworks displays

  • The annual Independence Day fireworks hosted by the city of Jerseyville. Come see the fireworks ignite at 9:30 p.m. from Jerseyville American Legion Fairground located at 300 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Jerseyville, IL. Admission is free.
  • Troy lights up the night sky at Tri-Township Park on Thursday, July 4. Considered one of the largest fireworks displays in southwest Illinois, the festival includes family-friendly pre-fireworks events. Tri-Township is located at 410 Wickliffe St., Troy.
  • Brighton: A two-day event July 4 and Saturday, July 6 at Schneider Park features a carnival, home run derby, live music and more. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with fireworks both days at approximately 9:15 p.m.
  • Hillsboro: Fireworks boom across the sky Thursday, July 4 at Sherwood Forest Campground, 920 City Lake Rd., Hillsboro. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and include the Fifth Annual Imagine Hillsboro Cardboard Boat Regatta. Fireworks begin at dusk.
  • Litchfield: Lake Lou Yaeger, 4943 Beach House Trail, will host the city’s annual fireworks celebration Thursday, July 4. Enjoy live music from 7 p.m. to dusk then revel in fireworks over the lake.
  • Greenfield: Relax at the Greenfield Fireworks by the Lake celebration, 2250 E. Greenfield on Saturday, July 6. Live entertainment, food and drinks are available. Fun begins at 9 a.m.
  • The Fourth of July holiday weekend takes place in Grafton on Saturday, July 6 with the city’s annual fireworks festivities. A fireworks display will take place along the Mississippi River on the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Spend the day in Grafton shopping, dining or sipping a glass of locally crafted beer and wine along the river before the fireworks. There is no charge to view the fireworks.

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