MORGANTOWN — Slips along River Road forced a change in plans for the July 4 Celebration of America fireworks display.
Main Street Morgantown Executive Director Barbara Watkins said the fireworks will be launched from the Mountaineer Middle School football field.
“We’re hoping people will bring out their lawn chairs and enjoy the evening. Also, because it’s so high up there, you’ll probably be able to see the fireworks in Sabraton and more places around town than when they were just across the river,” Watkins said, explaining that the school site will be off limits to the public.
She said there is a request filed with the West Virginia Division of Highways to close the 200-block of High Street.
Watkins said Main Street is looking for vendors interested in setting up during the celebration and would be interested in working with downtown restaurants.
“Maybe some of the restaurants will want to set something up outside and take advantage of that, but this stuff is still up in the air,” Watkins said.
Additionally, the Monongalia County Courthouse Square was already reserved for the evening, potentially as the site for live entertainment.
Watkins said the city’s Fourth of July celebration has been ongoing since 1991.
She estimated this year’s event would cost about $20,000 to put on, $15,000 of which will go toward the Zambelli fireworks display.
The Celebration of America will be the second of three upcoming Main Street activities.
Watkins said the last week of June will be dedicated to the city’s downtown restaurants, which will be offering different specials.
Then, on July 21, Main Street will host one of its biggest events of the year when Kid’s Day comes back downtown.
