CLINTON —
Scorching heat couldn’t keep a crowd away from the Fourth of July activities in Clinton.
On Wednesday nearly 1,000 people ventured from their homes into Riverview Park for the Save the Fourth celebration despite the heat index reaching above 100 degrees.
Erin George along with her sister Emily Steenhard, who organized the celebration in less than a month, both said they were happy with the turnout considering the heat.
“It’s going pretty well,” George said when the event had been in full swing for nearly an hour.
“”I’m pleased with the turnout. Everybody’s being really friendly and that’s what we wanted,” Steenhard said.
Free water, food, snow cones, and beverages were plentiful and supplies lasted through the parade and event.
The free water and cold treats kept the crowd semi-cool under the beating sun. Many groups sought refuge under the shade while enjoying the music and festive spirit.
One event that drew a substantial crowd and provided some relief was the firefighter “hose-off.”
Thirty teams of firefighters from nine fire departments including Clinton, Camanche, Low Moor, Albany, LeClaire, Bellevue, Riverdale, Morrison and Thomson competed in the event.
Two teams at a time and one team per side, the firefighters sprayed a barrel suspended from a zip line with a full powered fire hose.
The team that propelled the barrel into the other team’s side won. During the competition, water from the hoses sprayed eager onlookers. There were many other friendly competitions throughout the event, including a watermelon-eating contest.
Kathy Springer waited in line so her granddaughter, Lorree Rude, 7, of Davenport could compete. Springer is from Clinton and said she enjoyed the event.
“This is fabulous,” Springer said. “I was surprised everything was free. My favorite part was watching her (Rude) have fun.”
Rude said she enjoyed the Miller’s petting zoo the most. Children could pet goats, cows, chickens and a variety of other farm animals for free. The only cost was $1 for food.
Briget Shaw, of Clinton whose son, Max Tingley, 2, was surrounded by farm animals, said she thought the event was great, even compared to her memories of Riverboat Days.
“When I was a kid I would get dropped off at 10 in the morning and stay until 10 at night,” Shaw said. “This is better for the kids. For the adults, maybe not, but I think it’s really great.”
Clinton Police Capt. James Klaes saw no problems with the event.
“The girls pulled off what they wanted,” he said. “It’s a feather in their hat. It just shows you what the people of Clinton wanted.”
After the events in the park ended at 6 p.m., “Bye Bye Birdie” began at the Showboat theater and a LumberKings game began at 7 p.m.
Those who attended the LumberKings game also got a special surprise. While the National Anthem played, three skydivers from the Quad City Skydiving Center, equipped with patriotic flags, jumped out of a plane and swooped onto the field.
The night concluded with a fireworks display put on by the LumberKings.
Local News
Related Photos
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A Low Moor Lions Club representative hands candy to Alexia Grinstead, 6, of Clinton, during the Fourth of July parade Wednesday on the riverfront. Scott Levine/Clinton Herald
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Miss Iowa and Clinton County's Outstanding Teen Savannah Necker and Outstanding Teen Princess Corynna Hugunin wave to the crowd as Jason Heinitz drives the vehicle. Scott Levine/Clinton Herald
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Children in the Camanche Fire Department fire truck show their patriotism during the Fourth of July parade Wednesday on the riverfront. Scott Levine/Clinton Herald
Discussion
Clinton's parade brings out 1,000
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