MONROE — Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department decided to alter its plans for its Fourth of July celebration during a teleconference board meeting May 20.

The fireworks display is set to go on as planned with minor alterations, while all other day-time activities at Twining Park were canceled. The Monroe City Band concerts are taking a wait-and-see approach.

Mark Klinzing, recreation director, and Josh Trame, parks and forestry supervisor, informed the board of their plans. 

Klinzing said the fireworks sponsors, Wisconsin Community Bank and Colony Brands, wanted the display to continue. The department’s plan would be to keep spectators in their vehicles parked in the two lots at Twining Park and along nearby streets. Spectators would not be able to watch from outside of a vehicle on park grounds. However, if the state reaches Phase 2 of the governor’s “Badger Bounce Back” plan and allows for groups of 50, then spectators would be able to watch from certain areas in the park. Phase 3 of the plan allows for gatherings of unlimited numbers.

Trame said the fireworks show would be altered with no ground display. Instead, the pyrotechnic team will use 5-inch shells to launch fireworks higher into the air from the normal 4-inch variety, allowing for the display to be seen better throughout the city. Re-positioning of the launch area also means the launch would happen further away from nearby homes. Trame said the display should still be 20-25 minutes long, and that there are still other details that need to be worked out.

All youth activities, plus the annual softball and volleyball tournaments, have been canceled. The city band concert is waiting to see if the state enters Phase 2 of the plan in hopes of putting on a concert.