Fireworks displays, parades planned in Ames and Story County for Independence Day
As families prepare for the Fourth of July holiday, Ames and surrounding communities are poised to offer parades and fireworks.
CyTown construction in the parking lots off University Boulevard in Ames has thrown a curveball for many fireworks viewers.
The small town of Slater will hold its traditional fireworks, celebration, and parade, where as many as 10,000 people line the streets for the hour-long parade.
Nevada is also planning its annual firework show and parade.
Plan ahead for Ames fireworks due to parking lot construction
Colorful fireworks will erupt into the night sky at dusk on Monday, July 3 thanks to a Discover Ames Community Grant grant.
The local fireworks are set off on the east side of University Boulevard near Jack Trice Stadium.
Parking is available in the lots on the stadium's east side, S3-S8, and 85E. Lots A1-A3 will also be open near the Iowa State University Alumni Center and B2 and C2, east of Stephens Auditorium. Along University, south of Jack Trice, parking lots G2 and G3 will also provide plenty of space.
Reiman Gardens is open until the conclusion of the fireworks show, and visitors viewing fireworks from there can park in the Reiman’s lot.
Residents are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for fireworks viewing.
Personal fireworks are not permitted in Ames at any time.
Ames’ Fourth of July parade will start at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The parade begins on the western edge of Main Street and loops around on Fifth Street, finishing in front of the City Hall.
Thousands of Iowans flock to Slater on the Fourth
The immensely popular Fourth of July celebration in Slater begins with live music Monday night, highlighted by the area's only hand-lit fireworks show.
The town’s Nelson Park is the place to be, with a great view of the fireworks. Free popcorn and glow bracelets are available at the Baptist church prior to the fireworks.
A carnival will be held in Nelson Park starting at 6 p.m. Monday and also throughout the day after the parade on Tuesday.
A free concert by the Kraft Brothers will entertain guests from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday.
The big, hand-lit fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m. Monday.
“As far as I know, our fireworks show is the only one that goes off with our fire department doing all of it,” said Joel Newman, vice president of the Slater Community Club.
Newman plans to stream on Facebook Live showing how the explosives are lit. He said the “Slater Iowa Community Club” page is also good for schedule details and alternative options during inclement weather.
The hour-long parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Tuesday with parade marshals Orin and Norma Erickson.
Bingo and trivia as well as a community band and chorus concert will entertain guests throughout the July 4 holiday. A climbing wall, horseshoe tournament, and sand volleyball competition will also be held Tuesday in Nelson Park.
The local celebration is a chance to bring the community together, contained in the town's most central location.
“One thing we love about Slater is you can just sit in your yard and watch the fireworks,” Newman said. “It’s great to just enjoy time together watching the fireworks in our own yard.”
Nevada’s fireworks are on the Fourth
Tuesday is the big showcase in Nevada for everything Independence Day.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and can best be seen along Sixth Street between E and N avenues. After the parade, root beer floats and a chicken noodle dinner will by hosted by the Legion Auxiliary at the Legion Post, 1331 Sixth St.
The community band will also perform following the parade in front of City Hall.
Free treats will be served before the fireworks show, which will start at dusk.
Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home will serve free sno-cones, popcorn and bottled water starting at 8 p.m. in its parking lot across from SCORE Park.
The fireworks will be set off on the east side of SCORE Park, along 19th Street.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: How to celebrate the Fourth of July in Ames, Slater and Nevada
