Saturday Activities for Fourth of July Celebration in Charles City Washed Out by Rain

….was a wash out for Fourth of July festivities in Charles City.

Rain came early on Saturday (07.05) and persisted on and off throughout the day, forcing the Charles City Chamber of Commerce to post on Facebook at 1:53 pm Saturday, “Mother Nature is not cooperating and with the threat of more rain storms today and tonight, the difficult decision was made to cancel Charles City’s planned activities  in Central Park. Had to make the call by 1 pm for the band, vendors and inflatables.”

In an email to KCHA/KCZE, Chamber Executive Director Mark Wicks said they had to make a go/no go decision early and by canceling festivities by 1 pm, the Chamber did not have to pay for the band or inflatables. It also meant food vendors didn’t have to prepare and throw out unused food.

Wicks said the economic impact from Saturday’s washout was a loss “in the neighborhood of $15,000 between the food vendors, band, inflatables, stunt team, and beer garden. The Chamber actually nets only a small percentage of that to help put the event on, with the rest going back into the economy. “

He says they will not be rescheduling Saturday’s activities except for the All-American Duck Dash, which was postponed before the holiday weekend started due to the high level of water on the Cedar River. Wicks says a date and time to make up the Duck Dash has yet to be determined. 

Wicks added that, fortunately Friday (07.04) was a great day all around, which included a large turnout of spectators for both the Independence Day parade and the fireworks show to cap off Friday’s festivities.

He said, “I think people all had a good time. That’s what this is all about.”