The novel coronavirus global pandemic upset last summer’s merrymaking in Perry, but summer 2021 will see a return of such perennially patriotic activities as the parade and Pattee Park celebrations on the Fourth of July as well as Friday Fests in June and August.
“We’re easing back into tradition this year,” the city of Perry announced on its website recently, “bringing back some of your favorite Fourth of July activities.”
The easing will begin Friday, June 4 at 6 p.m., when local favorites Rukkus will perform in the Pattee Park bandshell for Friday Fest.
The Fourth of July festivities will begin with a traditional parade and end with patriotic fireworks, with a full day of family-friendly fun in between.
Lineup for the Fourth of July parade will start Sunday, July at 10:30 a.m. in the East Perry Plaza in front of Stokely Lumber Co. Parade participation is free, and entrants may register online prior to the celebration. The procession will begin at 11:30 a.m. and move westward on Willis Avenue to Pattee Park, a distance of about two miles.
Parade entrants should follow the Fourth of July parade rules and regulations:
- Ensure name of business/organization is easily visible.
- Keep a safe distance between other parade entries.
- Walkers must maintain a steady pace with the flow of the parade to avoid large gaps.
- Youth must be supervised by at least two adults.
- No jumping on or off floats once parade begins.
- Keep arms and feet within parameter of vehicle/float.
- Candy/items may be handed out or tossed, but may not be thrown at individuals.
- No water guns or balloons.
- Absolutely no hate speech, profanity or promotion of conflict or violence will be permitted.
Fun and games in Pattee Park, including live music in the bandshell at 6 p.m., will follow the parade. For vendors wishing to sell their wares at the Independence Day celebrations, vendor applications are available in Spanish and in English on the city of Perry website.
The Independence Day celebrations will end with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Perry holiday makers are reminded to obey the city rules on the use of fireworks. For more information, see chapter 1125.940 of the Perry Code of Ordinances.
- The only time consumer fireworks may be used or discharged within Perry City Limits is on July 4th from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.
- Fireworks may only be used or discharged on the user’s property or on the property of someone who has given permission for the use of fireworks on their property.
- Fireworks may not be used or discharged in public places – such as in parks, cemeteries, public streets or sidewalks.
- Please Note – Novelties, including snakes, sparklers or caps may be used or discharged at any time and in a public place, as long as all trash, wrappers and wires are properly disposed of.
- Fireworks may not be used or discharged within two hundred (200) yards of a hospital or senior care facility.
- Fireworks may only be used or discharged by persons 18 years of age or older.
- Fireworks may not be used or discharged by persons over the legal alcohol limit or under the influence of a drug or narcotic.
- Permits may be granted by the City Council for persons wishing to use “Display Fireworks.”
- The penalty for the violation of these laws will be a fine in the amount of $250.
- Anyone wishing to report violators may call the Perry Police Department at 515-465-4636.
A second Friday Fest is scheduled for August 6, but the musical guest has not been revealed.
