4th of July Festival Quick Tips from the questions I answer often:

– Festival opens Wednesday. Full schedule on website – whitewater4th.com

– Festival is cash only. Yup it’s true, plan ahead.

– Wrist band sessions [unlimited rides for $25] are on the festival schedule and only at specific times not throughout the entire event.

– All food vendors south of the railroad tracks are local organizations – this is a fundraiser for them. Please support them as much and as often as you can. [These vendors do not accept cash; purchase your tickets at the festival booths.]

– Fireworks are 10 p.m. 7/4, 7/6. If for any reason there are weather changes the ONLY place to stay informed is the Whitewater 4th of July Festival Facebook page; we are a water launch and a metal platform + explosives + lightning don’t mix.

– The festival (outside of family owned and operated carnival) is volunteer run; please be kind and thankful for the tremendous amount of time these folks invest in this event to celebrate with their friends and neighbors.

– The parade is 7/4 at 10 a.m. Preceded by the Whippet City Mile at 9:45. Road closure is a firm 9:30 am.

– Road closures around the festival on Whitewater St begin today and run through 7/8. Thanks for your patience.

– Helping hands make light work. The festival is always seeking volunteers and donor support. Connect with us down at the ticket booths or by email whitewater4th@gmail.com

– Thank the city streets crews when you see them. They are also working as hard as our volunteers and we are so thankful for their partnership. City of Whitewater

Last but not least, be patient with our social media page; we try to answer comments but once we’re on-site that is our primary focus.

Have an absolutely amazing holiday week, be safe, please keep your teens off the railroad tracks [the trains do run during the festival], hydrate, and have fun!

Editor’s note: Lisa Dawsey Smith posted this message on Facebook and gave the Banner permission to post it.