July 4th Fireworks - High Bridge--060723

July 4th Celebration

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Thank You to Festival Foods!

Sponsors of our fireworks show!

Join us in celebrating Independence Day with a fireworks extravaganza, choreographed to patriotic music that can be heard on local radio stations.

Show starts July 4, at 10:05 p.m.

Every effort will be made to have the fireworks show. Keep your families safety and comfort in mind when considering whether to attend in less-than-ideal weather. Sign up for Alert Eau Claire to be notified of severe weather threats - visit EauClaireWI.gov/AlertEC-Register OR text the word AlertEauClaire to 67283 to instantly sign up (data and message rates may apply.) Severe weather alerts come directly from the National Weather Service in the Twin Cities.

Television

Watch WEAU TV-13 for live coverage from the Madison Street Bridge!

Radio

Tune in to one of these Midwest Family broadcasting stations for the patriotic soundtrack, the fireworks have been choreographed to the music!

Where to Watch?

July 4 2023 - get outside to watch fireworks

There are over 73 acres of City-owned property that are open to viewing the fireworks show.

Trails & Bridges

Chippewa River Trail
Downtown Bridges – Phoenix Park & Haymarket Plaza pedestrian bridges
Madison Street Bridge – closed to vehicle traffic

Parks

Parking Ramps – top level open for viewing / free parking lower levels

Gibson Street (Lismore Hotel)
North Barstow Street

Please be respectful of privately-owned property, see the maps below which highlight City owned property.

The Madison Street bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 6:30 p.m. on July 4 to accommodate viewing. This detour has been coordinated with area hospitals and emergency personnel. WEAU-TV 13 will be on the bridge broadcasting the fireworks show.

Maps are identical - with or without aerial background. Click for PDF.

CLOSURES and Parking Restrictions

The High Bridge trail will be closed to pedestrian/bicycle/all traffic beginning at 6 a.m. on July 4, 2023 and will re-open the next morning.

The Madison Street Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6:30 p.m. on July 4 until midnight. Vehicle traffic should follow posted detour signs, which will direct people using Farwell and Dewey south to the Lake Street bridge, then north using 5th Avenue.

1st Street - approximately two blocks of 1st Street near the High Bridge will be posted No Parking beginning in the afternoon of July 4th.

Chippewa Valley Railroad - open July 4, from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Visit their website for admission and details: Website

PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's caused by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Great Rivers 2-1-1
Free, confidential community information and referrals 24/7. Just dial 211.

• PTSD and other Crisis Services
• Basic Needs
• Youth & Family Services
• Alcohol/Drug Treatment Services
• Community Resources

Veterans

Veterans who experience PTSD are each triggered differently, so there is no one thing that can help all sufferers. Family/ friends are very important in situations like these. Here are some ways to support veterans who may experience PTSD.

Planning Ahead

Be pro-active: The Eau Claire County Veterans Services Department can try to match a you with a veteran to help if you are triggered. Call 715-839-4744. Offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This article from PeaceHealth.org offers advice on coping with unexpected fireworks. Managing Triggers – a 3-step infographic from the Wounded Warrior Project to help you identify what may trigger your symptoms and how to manage them if they arise. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/media/2820/wwp-managing-triggers.pdf

Immediate Help

If you’re experiencing PTSD symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out for help – it’s available right now by phone call, text, or chat. Great Rivers 2-1-1 24/7 support, dial 2-1-1 for community information or to talk to a crisis specialist.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
After hours, weekends, and holidays call: 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387)

Veterans Crisis Line
Free – confidential – for all Veterans, their family members and friends

• Call: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1

• Text: 838255

• Support for those who are deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889

• Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat

Long Term Care

Veterans enrolled in VA health care can contact their regular provider for information on managing and coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=5991

Dogs & Fireworks

Dogs and Fireworks

We know that some people may have concerns about dogs that get anxious during a fireworks show. Here are some steps that may help:

Prepare

Consider moving your dog’s routine to earlier in the evening. Walking and feeding them earlier to avoid trying to do it when fireworks are going off.
Top off your dog’s water dish – anxious dogs pant more and get thirsty.
Close the windows and doors to minimize any sound.
Create a safe den for your dog filled with their favorite toys, and maybe an unwashed shirt that has your scent on it to help them feel safe.

During the show

Have a TV or radio on to help drown out outside noise.
Reward calm behavior with treats or playing.
Try to act normal – dogs pick up on their owners’ odd behavior.
If you have to go open an outside door, make sure your dog isn’t in the room so they can’t try to escape and run away.
NEVER: try to make your dog face it’s fears – they will just become more frightened
You know your dog better than anyone – consider contacting your vet if you’re concerned your dog may have an extreme reaction.

**Tips from the UK Kennel Club
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/our-resources/kennel-club-campaigns/fireworks/