CHAMPAIGN — The Champaign County Freedom Celebration fireworks show at Dodds Park on Wednesday will go on as planned despite dry conditions, a spokesman confirmed Monday.
But some other communities have canceled their Fourth of July shows because dry conditions make having a fireworks show potentially dangerous.
The Champaign show got clearance from the fire marshal on Monday. Champaign County Freedom Celebration president Val Koble said Dodds Park has an advantage in that there are few trees and buildings surrounding the launch site.
The launch site itself is a soccer field, which the Champaign Park District has been keeping wet during the past few days.
"As long as we keep the launch area wet down, I don't think we'll have any problems," Koble said.
On the other hand, the fireworks in two central Illinois towns have been canceled.
In Bement, dry conditions have made fireworks too dangerous, said organizer Josephine Durbin. But the parade will continue as planned at 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Food, bingo and other games will be held at Forest Preserve Park immediately following the parade.
The Bement Community Band will play a concert in Veterans Park at 4 p.m. Popcorn, water and root-beer floats will be served.
"We hope we have a good crowd," Durbin said. "With the weather being so hot, who knows."
Villa Grove has also canceled its fireworks due to dry conditions, said city hall office manager Jacki Athey. That show has been rescheduled for Aug. 4 during the Ag Days festival.
Monticello announced last week it has canceled its entire slate of Fourth of July events. Other Illinois communities that have opted not to have fireworks this week include Paris, Plainfield, Harrisburg, Mount Pulaski and Murphysboro.
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