While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of many town celebrations and county fairs in Iowa this summer, one planned event will be held as scheduled if the weather allows.

Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart announced Saturday that the city will be shooting off fireworks next month to celebrate the nation's 244th birthday. The 4th annual Mayor's Independence Day Extravaganza presented by Main Street Waterloo will be held July 4 at 10 PM in the area of the Lost Island Water Park, but Hart said musical entertainment WILL NOT be part of this year's event due to social distancing restrictions.

"This is an incredible opportunity," Hart said in a video recorded downtown. "We have all the restrictions and social distancing. We have all those things that we have to be mindful of. We have structured this so we can keep you safe, but also make sure that we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th."

The Mayor's Independence Day Extravaganza traditionally is held along the Cedar River downtown at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre and Expo Plaza. Hart said moving the 2020 event to the southern edge of Waterloo will allow everyone to watch the fireworks safely from their vehicles. There will be several places to park in the area to view the show, such as Crossroads Center and Hawkeye Community College.

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