July 4 festivities, safety reminders
Photo by Matt Ehnes
Multiple events are happening in Great Falls for the July 4 holiday.
Municipal Band Concert
The Municipal Band is performing at 7 p.m. July 2 at the Gibson Park band shell.
They’ll be performing a tribute concert to Bud Nicholl, longtime conductor of the Municipal Band who died in May.
Parade and concert
The annual downtown parade kicks off at 11 a.m.
The parade route runs from 1st Avenue South to 8th Street, north to Central Avenue then down Central to disband in Margaret Park, according to the city.
Attendees are asked to remain behind the rope markers and avoid crossing the parade route.
Those in the parade are not allowed to throw anything from vehicles, floats or within the designated parade route per a city ordinance, that has been in existence since 1998.
GFFR reminding residents of fireworks rules, safety
The code currently states, “no participant in a procession shall throw, cast, or drop candy, trinkets, or any other articles. A violation of this provision shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. This does not prohibit a walking procession participant from handing the candy or other articles directly to the spectators.”
Lola Galloway, July 4 parade organizer, told City Commissioners during their June 17 work session that she’d rejected applications from businesses who’d thrown candy last year during the parade since it’s an ordinance violation.
For more information about the parade, contact Galloway at 406-750-4721.
Road closures begin at 8 a.m. July 4 on Central Avenue and 1st Avenue South from Park Drive to 8th Street.
Those streets will remain closed until about 4 p.m., but 5th Street will be closed longer to tear down the stage and cleanup after the Hootenanny.
Locals are also asked not to park vehicles along the parade route and vehicles should be removed before the road closures start in the morning as it will be “extremely difficult” to move them after roads are closed, according to the Downtown Great Falls Association.
There are several parking garages and other parking options within walking distance of the parade route.
The Hootenanny featuring Easton Corbin is a free concert that begins after the parade, around 1 p.m., at the corner of Central Avenue and 5th Street.
The Black Eagle parade starts at 11 a.m. in front of the Black Eagle Country Club and end at the Black Eagle Community Center.
BBQ
The Station is hosting a July 4 BBQ for $30 per person.
Each ticket includes access to the event space for views of the fireworks, plus a barbecue buffet featuring local Wagyu beef, slow-cooked pork shoulder, fresh salads and sides.
Food is served from 5-9 p.m. and tickets include one drink coupon for wine, beer or cocktails.
Pre-register by popping in and paying at the bar, or call The Station District at 406-315-1704.
Fireworks
The best viewing of the fireworks will be at Elk’s Riverside Park on River Drive North between Central and 6th Street.
West Bank Park will be closed all day for the pyrotechnics to set up the display.
Parking is available at Gibson Park.
The foundation collects donations throughout the year for the annual fireworks display.
Foundation fundraising to continue community fireworks display
Donations can be mailed to Fireworks Forever Fund c/o People’s Park and Recreation Foundation, P.O. Box 2106, Great Falls, MT 59403 or through their website.
Other firework viewing options include Eagle Falls Golf Course and Centene Stadium.
The Great Falls Voyagers have a game at 7 p.m. with fireworks afterward.
Reminders
City, county and school district offices are closed for July 4. The city sanitation schedule will operate normally.
City fireworks rules are here: GFFR reminding residents of fireworks rules, safety
