Gillett prepares for scaled-down Fourth

Independence Day parade scheduled for 2 p.m., fireworks at dusk
By: 
NEW Media Staff

Independence Day festivities in Gillett may not be as extensive as most years, thanks to restrictions set down in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But there will be a parade and fireworks.

The Roy Hubbard Memorial Truck Show committee stepped in after the Gillett Civic Club bowed out because of the challenges posed by the state’s Safer at Home Order and other official responses to the coronavirus. The Gillett Business Association was also assembling vendors to give visitors something to do at Zippel Park between the 2 p.m. parade and the fireworks at dusk.

All of the regular parade foot traffic and light vehicles will line up at the school. The parade will proceed east on Fourth Street to Birch Street, turning north on Birch to Main Street and through downtown to the Flower Shoppe.

All larger vehicles, including fire equipment, will pre-stage on South Elm Street. When West Main Street is closed for the parade, the large vehicles will proceed to the intersection of Main and Birch, where they will be distributed into the main parade.

The route was worked out with the Gillett Street Department due to ongoing street construction and detour concerns with the State Department of Transportation.

One concession to the pandemic is that tossing candy from the floats is prohibited this year.

The fireworks are to be shot behind the grocery store as in years past. People will be able to view the fireworks from Zippel Park.

Donations to help fund the fireworks show can be mailed to Roy Hubbard Memorial Truck Show, P.O. Box 64, Gillett, WI 54124. Donors should note on the check “Fourth of July fireworks” or write a note stating that and who it is from.