St. Cloud to shoot fireworks over the Mississippi on Independence Day

St. Cloud is putting on a party for Independence Day.

Fireworks will once again fly across the Mississippi River, and viewing will be good - whichever side of the river you want to view it from. The display, which starts at 10 p.m., will take place between Hester and Wilson parks.

Along with the fireworks, they'll be food trucks and bands, with activities starting at noon. The municipal band starts playing at 8 p.m., according to Explore Minnesota . The band will play the Star Spangled Banner, Gavorkna Fanfare, Liberty Bell and God Bless America.

As for food, lots of trucks will be available, including Jupiter Moon Ice Cream, Buddy’s Burritos, Mr. Egg Roll, Dana’s Kitchen, Amaizen Grazen Karmel Korn and many more.

Minnesota legal fireworks

The following sparklers that are nonexplosive and nonaerial are permitted under Minnesota law:

• Cylindrical fountain
• Cone fountain
• Illuminating torch
• Wheel
• Ground spinner
• Flash

All types of rockets are illegal, including sky, bottle and missile rockets. Firecrackers, ladyfingers and parachutes are also illegal, as are chasers and aerial shells.

Fourth of July safety tips

1. Wear safety glasses when using or near fireworks.

2. Adults should handle all fireworks lighting.

3. Keep a water supply nearby and avoid using fireworks in dry areas.

4. Soak for 30 minutes any fireworks that don’t go off.

5. Never shoot fireworks from enclosed containers or glass bottles.

6. Sparklers can exceed 2,000 degrees and are dangerous for young children.

7. Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.

8. Ensure fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing or using them.

More than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Burns account for more than 9,000 emergency room injuries each July, according to the NFPA.

Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals, according to the National Safety Council . Often, children will drop the sparkler, igniting their clothes or burning their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association , sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. Some safer alternatives are glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: St. Cloud to shoot fireworks over the Mississippi on Independence Day