Fireworks light up the Mississippi River as patrons watch from both boats as well as the fair grounds during the 2009 Taste of Minnesota Thursday evening on Harriet Island in St. Paul. / Photo by Anthony Souffle
Fireworks are no good wet.
The city of St. Paul announced Monday that its annual July 4 fireworks show will be moved from flooded Harriet Island to the State Capitol Mall on Friday.
The fireworks display was supposed to be part of "A Taste of Minnesota," which is also forced to relocate this week to the Carver County Fairgrounds in Waconia because of the high waters.
"Fireworks have long been a part of our Independence Day celebration, and despite the flooding, I am excited that this important tradition will continue," said Mayor Chris Coleman, in a statement.
The Capitol Mall will open to the public beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday with the free show starting around 10 p.m.. Pre-packaged food and drinks are allowed, but grills, alcohol, and personal fireworks are not. The event area will be closed to vehicles from Rice Street to Cedar Street and from University Avenue to 12th Street West.
With the new location, residents are being advised that the fireworks will not likely be visible from the Mississippi River area, so plan ahead.
