Editor’s note: This article is courtesy of aroundprophetstown.com, with information provided by Gerry Halpin.
After a cancellation in the summer in 2020 due to COVID-19, the Prophetstown Fireworks Committee announced that it will hold its fireworks spectacular in the Prophetstown State Park, over the Rock River, on Sunday, July 4, 2021. The decision was delayed due to COVID-19 concerns. Members of the Fireworks Committee met with representatives from the Prophetstown Fire Department and Men’s Club and decided that the annual fireworks could be held this year.
After talking with Illinois DNR representatives, Co-Chair Gerry Halpin said it was determined that the COVID-19 restrictions have now been relaxed enough to hold a large, outdoor gathering. Using the new guideline of 30 people per 1000 square feet, the park is large enough to hold a crowd of 8000-to-10,000 people. This is more than adequate for the fireworks. The Fireworks Committee would still ask that attendees respect social distancing in the park, especially between groups of people.
Other traditional events that take place in conjunction with the fireworks will also be held. The Prophetstown Park District will hold their Run Around 5K on Saturday Night, July 3, starting at 6:30 p.m. A one mile Fun Run will follow at 7:00 p.m. by the 5K. Races will begin at the corner of Ferry Street and Riverside Drive.
The Park District will hold its Streetscape event, a painting activity for kids, on Saturday, July 3, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and running all day. Painting takes place on Riverside Drive in front of Prophetstown High School. All supplies are furnished. Preregistration information will be posted in the near future.
The 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, normally sponsored on July 4th by the Prom Parents, will not be held this year.
The Fire Department will open their Food Stand around 5:00 p.m. in the park, featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks.
There will be no band this year, but there will be recorded music.
Donations will be accepted at several points of entry into the park. The Gold and Silver Sponsors program from past years will be continued. Donations of $100 qualify the donor as a Gold Sponsor; a $50 donation would be a Silver Sponsor. These special donations can be dropped off at, or mailed to, Hometown Hardware, Inc., 317 Washington Street, Prophetstown, IL 61277. Checks are payable to “Coon Creek Men’s Club.”
This year, the Men’s Club will be transitioning their role in the annual fireworks display to the Fire Department. Men’s Club volunteers will still be active in the program for this year.