(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — As thousands prepare to celebrate Independence Day in Kenosha, city officials are warning of major traffic changes and parking restrictions that will span from June 29 through July 5.
The festivities kick off June 29 with the Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade presented by Snap-on, and continue with the Celebrate America festival July 4–5 near the Southport Marina. The Festival Foods Fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
Parade Closures Begin June 29
Streets along the parade route will be shut down between noon and approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 28. Staging area closures begin at 9 a.m. but access to the 10 a.m. Mass at the bandshell will remain open.
The parade travels south on Seventh Avenue from Washington Road, cuts through Sixth Avenue downtown, and ends near Library Park. Spectators can sit on the boulevard once the route is closed at noon, with the best views along Seventh and Sixth Avenues.
July 3–6: One-Way Loop Near Lakefront
From 11 a.m. on July 3 until 8 a.m. on July 6, traffic east of Third Avenue—between 54th and 56th Streets—will flow one way in a counter-clockwise loop, including Calabria Way and Sixth Avenue.
July 4: Fireworks Safety Measures and Road Closures
Pedestrian and vehicle access to the east end of Celebration Place will be completely restricted on July 4 for safety during the fireworks. From 8:30 to 10 p.m., traffic will be blocked east of Third Avenue between 54th and 56th Streets, including Calabria Way.
RVs will not be allowed to park in the HarborPark area due to congestion. Instead, they must use the vacant lot west of City Hall at 625 52nd St., accessible from 54th Street east of Sheridan Road. RVs may arrive after 6 a.m. on July 4 and must leave by 7 a.m. on July 5.
No Vehicle Access to Simmons Island on July 4
As in previous years, Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton has ordered that the general public will not be permitted to drive or park on Simmons Island on July 4. Barricades will be placed at 50th Street and Seventh Avenue, and at Kennedy Drive and 45th Street. Pedestrian access is allowed.
Only Fourth Avenue residents, Coast Guard personnel, and individuals with business at the Kenosha Water Utility, Great Lakes Yacht Sales, or Kenosha Yacht Club will be permitted vehicle access.
Kennedy Drive will become one-way northbound from 44th Street through Pennoyer Park to 35th Street, beginning at 8 a.m. on July 4 and ending at 1 a.m. on July 5, to reduce post-fireworks traffic congestion.
Free Shuttles and Streetcars Available
To ease the parking burden, the city encourages residents and visitors to park downtown, including the parking ramp at Eighth Avenue and 56th Street, and use free shuttles or streetcars.
The regular rubber-tired trolley route will be replaced on July 4 with free shuttle service between the Kenosha Transit Center and Carthage College via Seventh Avenue, Alford Park Drive, and Sheridan Road. Hours are 2 to 11 p.m.
A separate Simmons Island shuttle will run every 15 minutes from the transit center to the park between 2 and 11 p.m.
Free streetcar service will operate 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4, covering the HarborPark area and waterfront near the Celebrate America festival and popular fireworks viewing zones.
3 Responses
Who has a 4th of July parade in June?….oh yeah…..
Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade
Typo. You said the parade is on Saturday, which is the 28th. Good job.