This year, Iowa City will shoot off fireworks with a budget of $25,000 in Hubbard Park around 9:45 p.m.
The city of Iowa City funds the fireworks display, and the Jazz Festival is separately financed.
For years, Iowa City’s fireworks were shot off in City Park, but they were moved in 2008 because of flood damage, and the fireworks remained there last year.
City Clerk Marian Karr said the fireworks are taking place in Hubbard again because festival attendees “really like ending the [Jazz Festival] with fireworks.”
There have been no plans or discussions yet to move the fireworks back to its original location for future celebrations.
“Those attending the [Jazz] Festival will be able to view the fireworks from behind the Old Capitol,” Karr said.
For those looking to celebrate at home, officials remind the public it’s best to keep safety in mind, as well as Iowa’s firework laws.
In 2008, 7,000 people were injured and one killed by fireworks in the United States.
Though often considered harmless, sparklers can reach 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that can cause third-degree burns, according to the National Fire Prevention Association.
Not only are they dangerous, many types of fireworks are also illegal in Iowa.
“Anything that’s exploding isn’t allowed,” said Iowa City Fire Marshall John Grier, noting that snakes, caps, and sparklers are the only variety of fireworks that are legal.
Anyone using an illegal firework may be charged with a simple misdemeanor and fined.
With Iowa’s strict “no explosions” law, students anticipate that the Iowa City fireworks will be something to see.
UI junior Libby Miller, who will stay in Iowa City this weekend to study for an organic-chemistry exam, is planning to watch the city’s fireworks display.
“I hope they’re better than the fireworks I can get,” she said.
Junior Stacey Chu expressed similar expectations.
“I’ve only seen [fireworks] in Fort Dodge and Disney World — I’m expecting somewhere in between there,” she said.
Aside from firework fun, Iowa City will also host the 20th Jazz Festival today through July 4.
The Jazz Festival worked with a budget of $100,000 — lower than last year’s — to bring in acts from around the country, including a special performance from the U.S. Army Blues Band, 20-piece “big band” that Summer of the Arts Director Lisa Barnes said she’s particularly excited about.
Just a few miles away, Coralville’s 4th Fest will include today’s talent showcase, Saturday’s pancake breakfast, and a 2-mile, 130-entry parade at noon July 4.
A lot of hard work went in to this year’s Coralville festival, but “it pays off,” said Paula Bakey, who chairs the 4th Fest Committee. The panel has a budget of $75,000.
Those attending 4th Fest will be able to watch between $12,000 and $15,000 worth of fireworks, around 9:45 p.m. at S.T. Morrison Park.