July 2, 2012

July 4 events set in Madison, Wentworth, Ramona

By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter, Madison Daily Leader

Area residents have three places to see public fireworks displays on July 4 -- Ramona, Wentworth and Madison.

Ramona and Wentworth fireworks take place at dusk. Madison's fireworks show begins at 10 p.m. on the north side of Lake Herman.

Madison Fire Chief Randy Minnaert said this year's show will be longer. The department was able to purchase more fireworks through a new supplier.

The fireworks are shot from the Izaak Walton grounds. Minnaert said popular places to watch the show include the road along the Madison Golf Course, Territorial Road and the gravel road north of the Moonlite. Boaters also venture out onto Lake Herman to see the show.

Parades are scheduled in Ramona and Wentworth. Ramona's parade is at 1:30 p.m. and Wentworth's parade is at 6 p.m.

Other activities taking place in Wentworth include a pancake breakfast from 8-11 a.m., a bean bag tournament at 10 a.m. and a tractor pull at noon.

In Ramona, events begin at 11 a.m. with a burger feed. Children's games follow the parade along with a 2:30 p.m. pork loin feed and softball games at 4:30 p.m.

Fireworks are on sale through July 5. Minnaert said extreme caution should be used in lighting fireworks because of the dry conditions this year.

"Fire danger continues well after the firecracker's been lit," he said.

Children should be accompanied by an adult when firecrackers are being lit. Minnaert said it also doesn't hurt to pour a bucket of water over the area where fireworks have been lit and to dunk the fireworks debris in water.

Madison residents are not allowed to shoot fireworks within the city limits. Fireworks are also not allowed in the state park.

©Madison Daily Leader 2012