News Flash

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Residents and visitors are advised to plan ahead for traffic restrictions and limited parking throughout Downtown Muscatine on Friday, July 4, as the city celebrates Independence Day with a full day of events. Several street closures and temporary changes to traffic patterns will be in effect to ensure the safety and success of the festivities.

The weather forecast is calling for sunny skies and a high near 93 degrees—perfect conditions for a fun-filled day of patriotic celebration with family and friends.

Children’s Dress-Up Parade | 9:00 a.m.

Kick off the morning with the Children’s Dress-Up Parade, hosted by the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center.

Children and their caregivers are invited to dress as their favorite book characters, wear red, white, and blue, or simply come as they are. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m., with participants gathering beforehand in the parking lot at West 2nd and Pine streets.

A lively crew of costumed characters will lead the procession down 2nd Street to the Musser Public Library, where participants can enjoy a book reading and a popsicle treat.

⚠️ While no official road closures are planned for this event, motorists are urged to use caution and be aware of children and pedestrians in the area between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Muscatine Police will temporarily block intersections along 2nd Street to allow the parade to safely pass.

GMCCI Community Parade | 4:00 p.m.

The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GMCCI) will host the annual Community Parade beginning at 4:00 p.m. Parade entries will travel south on Iowa Avenue, turn east on 2nd Street, continue to Walnut Street, and conclude on East 5th Street.

Parade staging and check-in will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the corner of 10th and Iowa.

There will be no parking along the parade route starting at 2 p.m. (Iowa Avenue from 10th to 2nd; 2nd from Iowa to Walnut; Walnut from 2nd to 5th). Regular parking resumes when the parade is completed.

⚠️ Please note:

• The Iowa Avenue and Fulliam Avenue intersection remains closed to through traffic.
• Iowa Avenue from 11th Street to Fulliam is restricted to local traffic only.
• Starting at 2:00 p.m., all side-street intersections with Iowa Avenue from 10th to 2nd will be closed, except at 8th and Iowa and 5th and Iowa, which will remain open until the parade starts.
• Intersections will reopen once the parade has concluded and spectators have safely cleared the area.

Riverside Park Activities & Parking Restrictions

Riverside Park will serve as the center of evening activities, culminating in the spectacular "Fireworks Over the Mighty Mississippi" at dusk.

⚠️ Important Reminders:

• The downriver boat launch at Riverside Park will be closed on July 4.
• Parking will be restricted in the downriver section of the park to accommodate:
  1. 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament (9:00 a.m-4:00 p.m.)
  2. Almost Fireworks Fest (5:00–8:00 p.m.)
  3. An Honor Guard presentation and performance by the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra in front of Pearl City Station at 8:00 p.m.
  4. The fireworks display at dusk

Celebrate safely and help keep Muscatine's Independence Day traditions enjoyable for all by observing posted signage, following traffic guidance, and being aware of pedestrians and children throughout the day.