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4thFest

Show All Answers

1. Where is the parade?

To see a map of the 4thFest parade, visit www.coralville.org/4thFestParade.

2. Where can I park for 4thFest?

Accessible Parking
Accessible parking during 4thFest is available at the Recreation Center main parking lot, 1506 8th Street, which is the closest accessible parking to the concert. This lot will be monitored. Volunteers will be in S.T. Morrison Park with golf carts, as they are available, to assist those who need a ride. There is also accessible parking in the Coralville Community Aquatic Center parking lot, 1513 7th Street, and at Coralville City Hall, 1512 7th Street, with a hard surface path through S.T. Morrison Park that leads to the Recreation Center.  Use of parking spaces marked as reserved for accessible parking requires a state-issued disability parking permit or a disability license plate. 

General Parking
General parking is available in the Town Center Parking Ramp at the corner of 5th Street and 12th Avenue, in the Northwest Junior High parking lot (1507 8th Street), in the Coralville Community Aquatic Center parking lot (1513 7th Street), and on area streets as permitted. Some spots at City Hall (1512 7th Street) remain reserved for City Hall customers. Some street closures may be in effect beginning at approximately 9:00 am on July 4 and lasting until the parade ends.

3. When are the fireworks?

The fireworks start on July 4th at approximately 9:45 pm in S.T. Morrison Park.

The fireworks may be live-streamed on www.facebook.com/Coralville4thFest.

4. Will events be held if it rains?

Concert
The concert on July 3rd is scheduled to go on as anticipated, rain or shine. The stage is covered to protect the band and equipment from the elements. An outdoor concert can still be held even if it is raining, so concert-goers should plan accordingly. Both band representatives and City officials closely monitor the weather conditions. In the event of severe weather that has the potential to impact the public’s safety outdoors, band representatives and City officials will determine if a brief delay is necessary. Because of changing weather conditions, may be necessary to wait until close to the start time to make a decision.  

Parade
The parade is scheduled to be held rain or shine. Summer weather can be hot. Plan accordingly and use your own judgment when deciding to attend or participate. In the event of severe weather that has the potential to impact the public’s safety outdoors, parade organizers and City officials will determine if a brief delay is necessary. Because of changing weather conditions, may be necessary to wait until close to the start time on the day of the parade to make that decision. 

In the event of cancellation, the parade will not be rescheduled. Hundreds of people volunteer to participate in the parade, so rescheduling the parade for a later date is not possible.

Fireworks
The Coralville Fire Department will hold the fireworks as scheduled as long as the weather conditions make it possible. In the event of rain, there is the potential to delay until the weather clears enough to operate the show.

Notification
If in the unlikely event there are changes to the concert, parade, fireworks, or other main 4thFest events due to weather, information will be posted at www.coralville.org/news and www.coralville.org/4thFest as soon as possible. We will not be able to respond to individual messages asking about the weather.

5. Is the concert on July 3rd free?

Yes, it really is!

6. Where can I watch the 4thFest parade?

To see a map of the 4thFest parade, visit www.coralville.org/4thFestParade. Seating along the route is first come, first served. For safety, always stay behind the curb when watching the parade.

Seating is not available on 22nd Avenue.

The parade may be live-streamed on Mediacom cable 118-8 in Coralville and at www.facebook.com/Coralville4thFest.

7. Are sparklers allowed at 4thFest?

Do not light sparklers in S.T. Morrison Park. They are a safety hazard (sparklers burn hot enough to cause third-degree burns) and a fire hazard (especially when the grass is dry), and used sparklers left on the ground can cause injury when grass is mowed. Sparklers are best used at your own risk on your own property under close adult supervision.

8. Are pets allowed at 4thFest?

Loud noises like fireworks or concerts, being in crowds, and the noise and activity of a parade may be overwhelming, frightening, or stress your pet. Please consider your pet’s health and safety before bringing your pet to 4thFest. 

Know the leash laws: Pets must be leashed at all times unless confined by a tether or within the owner’s enclosed property. Pets cannot be tied to public property, or off-leash in public spaces, even with the owner present. If you take your pet to 4thFest, it must be on a leash, under control of an adult at all times, and current with its rabies vaccines. 

Pets should always wear ID tags when leaving their owner's property.  Always pick up after your pets.

If you are marching in the parade and are considering bringing your pet to be in the parade with you, please see "Animal in the Parade" at www.coralville.org/4thFestParade.

Service animals are allowed.

9. Is smoking allowed at 4thFest?

No, you may not smoke in the park during 4thFest entertainment events. Under state law, the Smokefree Air Act prohibits smoking in almost all public places and enclosed areas within places of employment, as well as some outdoor areas. The law applies to outdoor entertainment events. “No Smoking” signs are posted throughout S.T. Morrison Park during 4thFest.

10. Are coolers allowed at the 4thFest concert? Can I bring alcohol?

Yes, coolers are allowed. Glass bottles are not allowed.  Alcohol is allowed in city parks if you are at least 21 years old; open containers can not leave the park.

11. Can I put up a pop up tent, canopy, or sun shade for the concert?

Items like pop-up canopies, tents, or large sun shades are not allowed during the performance. These could block the view of those behind you. Please be courteous; not everyone is able to stand and move to see around obstructions. 

Event organizers may put up a canopy/tent for sound, video, or other support stations.

12. Are grills allowed at 4thFest?

We're sorry, you may not bring your own grill to 4thFest due to safety reasons with the large number of people in attendance.  Feel free to pack a picnic or grab a bite of food from one of the vendors in S.T. Morrison Park on July 3rd and 4th, and enjoy the festivities!

13. What items are not allowed in the park during 4thFest?

For the safety and enjoyment of all, the following are not allowed in the park during large special events, except under permit with event organizers: 

• Grills
• Amplified music
• Smoking
• Open flames
• Glass bottles/containers

14. Are there seats in the park during 4thFest?

Feel free to bring lawn chairs and blankets to S.T. Morrison Park. Make yourself comfortable for the free concert on July 3, activities and performances in the park on July 4, and fireworks on July 4. Some people choose to arrive early and set up chairs in the park to reserve a spot for the concert on July 3. Please be respectful of other people's spots. S.T. Morrison Park is a large park with plenty of room for concert seating.  Please do not set up items that block the view of other spectators.

15. Where can I eat at 4thFest?

Food vendors set up in S.T. Morrison Park on July 3 and 4. The vendor listing and times are available at  www.coralville.org/4thFestEvents. Or, feel free to pack a picnic or bring a cooler. Check local restaurants for their 4th of July holiday hours.

16. Where are the restrooms?

Porta potties are available in S.T. Morrison Park (1513 7th St.) beginning the afternoon of July 3 and all day July 4.

City Hall (1512 7th St.) will be open for 4thFest information and restroom access on July 4 from 2:00 pm-8:00 pm. Times are subject to change and volunteer availability.

The Recreation Center (1506 8th St.) will be open with restroom access on July 4 from 9:00 am-9:00 pm.

17. The concert is loud. What can I do?

Sound amplification is part of the annual 4thFest concert so that the thousands in attendance can enjoy the music. Residents close to the park may be able to hear the concert on their property. While some neighbors love the free music, others may not.

The concert typically ends before 11:00 pm, and a sound permit is filed with the City each year for the 4thFest concert. All sound permits are reviewed the Chief of Police, Community Development Director, and City Clerk.

18. The fireworks are loud. What can I do?

Noise is part of any fireworks display. Residents closer to the park may be able to hear the fireworks from their property. Some animals have a heightened sense of sound and may be able to hear fireworks from a greater distance than humans.

Wind speed and direction, humidity, air pressure, cloud cover, and barriers like buildings, hills, and trees impact how far away the fireworks can be heard. The fireworks typically start around 9:45 pm and may last 20 to 30 minutes. If someone in your household is sensitive to the sound of fireworks, please plan accordingly.

19. I live on the 4thFest parade route. When will my street close?

Typically the parade route streets close by one hour before the parade starts on July 4. If you need to go somewhere during the parade, plan to park your car on a non-parade street before then, and ask guests wishing to park in your driveway to arrive before the streets close.  Parade-goers start lining up at the curb early, so set out your own blankets/chairs early too. Enjoy the front row seats!

20. Who is in charge of 4thFest?

A volunteer committee and the City of Coralville organize 4thFest. Financial support from the City, sponsors, donations, and a basket auction make the celebration possible.