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The Dubuque Jaycees/ KAT-FM, KDTH, KGRR, THE RIVER Fireworks on the River is a mammoth event. Over 100,000 people congregate within eye shot of the river from all three states. With all of this excitement it is sometimes asked, "How do we get in and get out alive?" Fear not. Afte seventeen years, this event runs about as smooth as any event this large can. The Dubuque police along with the Jaycees and other volunteers run a tight ship, parking and releasing thousands of cars with the span of just a couple of hours. Let us give you some advice on how you and your family and friends can best be a part of Dubuque's biggest single annual event.
1. Come early - Nothing can replace the the old stand by. Come down nice and early. There will be music and food. If you come before 7:00p.m. you are pretty much guaranteed a decent parking spot.
2. Bring a Radio and Tune In - Even hours before the show, you will want to tune in one of the Radio Dubuque Stations, 92.9 KAT-FM, 1370 KDTH, 97.3 KGRR, and 101.1 FM THE RIVER. They will have continual updates from the show and great music all day long. Even if you are right there at the show, listening to the radio will give you insight to the details especially during the air shows. And last but certainly not least, the most important reason to listen...As always, the Fireworks show is set to music. If you only see the explosions in the sky, then you are missing half the show. Tune it in and crank it up. Hearing radios around you in all directions tuned to the same music makes the show the best it can be.
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3. Use the Jaycees Parking Areas - To avoid congestion and streamline parking efficiency, the Dubuque Jaycees carefully plan out large parking areas for the public. There is a $5.00 fee to park here but you can take pride knowing that money goes directly toward paying for next year's Fireworks show. (Note: Paying to park in lots not operated by the Jaycees means your money is going into someone's pocket and not back to the event. Please do you best to support the event by parking where your donation really makes a difference.)
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4. Special Needs Parking - If you have disabled individuals in your party or potential medical emergencies such a pregnant women, you can request special parking areas from your Jaycees parking assistant. Just notify them of your situation and they will direct you to the proper area.
5. How do you get a VIP Parking Permit? - Sorry, we can't help you there unless you are a sponsor or you know the right people. A small lot adjacent to the Official Fireworks Viewing Area is reserved for sponsors, contributors and other VIP's. It takes a lot of help from a lot of people to pull this event off right. This is just one way we can say thank you to those individuals and businesses who make it all happen. Special Note: Even if you have a VIP pass, you will need to arrive early enough to get into the VIP lot. There are always a few more VIP passes out there than there are VIP spots. Plus, you never know how unique vehicle parking challenges will affect lot space. If you have a pass and are turned away at the VIP lot, you may use the pass for free parking in the main Jaycees lots.
6. Get a good seat. - You really can't beat the view from right beneath the launch pad. The lot in front of Bowling and Beyond is the Official Event Viewing Area. Party central if you will. This is where it is all happening, the demonstrations, the color guard, the music, food and beverages. This is where you will find all the sponsors, the main stage and glowropes for the kids. Radio Dubuque's stations; Kat-FM, KDTH, KGRR, and THE RIVER will all be broadcasting from right here. This space gets very full but there always seems to be room for a few more so don't be afraid of the crowd. We'll make room for you. After all, the reason there is a crowd is because this is where the real fun is.
If you really can't get down to the main stage for some reason, there are other great places to watch the show from. Following are a few suggestions.
- Eagle Point Park - This will be as full if not more so than the Main Stage area but there is a good reason, you are at eye level with the fireworks.
- On the Foldaway - Thousands of Dubuquers line the Flood Wall with their blankets and lawn chairs to view the show. It is away from the party but an easy walk from most any parking space.
- On the River - Though boaters are prohibited from being on this stretch of the river during the air shows, when they are over, the river is an amazing and unique place to experience the light show. It is also a beautiful sight from shore as hundreds of boats speckle lights across the mighty Mississippi.
- The Bluffs - You are farther away and the party is not as big but the view is unobstructed. If you can find a seat somewhere that you are not unwelcome, pull up some sod and enjoy the show (and the easy exit afterwards).
- Across the River - Many spectators enjoy the show from the Wisconsin side of the river.
- Behind you car - Many of the parking spots are so good at the Fireworks that people decide to pop the trunk and make their camp right there in the parking lot. Easy access to the cooler and no carrying lots of stuff any distance.
| 7. BYOS - Bring your own seat. There is always room on the ground, but a couple hours on mother earth and you may wish you had brought a chair. No matter where you sit, you can most likely find room to set up a couple lawn chairs. And with all the bells and whistle that come on lawn chairs these days, you might be so comfortable that find it was an ever wiser decision that showing up early. |
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8. If You Come Hungry Bring Cash- There are always a great variety of food vendors at the Fireworks to serve your hunger needs. From Pizza and burgers, to Snow Cones and Beer. Rest assured that there is someone there just dying to keep you well fed. Carry In's are welcome however so if you prefer a cooler, you're the boss. There are also glowropes for the kids and possibly other goods for sale. Don't come with empty pockets if you want have a treat or leave with a souvenir. Buying food and goods at the Fireworks from official participating vendors supports local businesses and also supports the funding of Fireworks next year.
9. Getting Out - Patience is a virtue. You managed to party for hours before the show. Why the big hurry to leave so fast. Considering there are thousands of cars packed at the end of Kerper Boulevard, it is really amazing just how fast and efficiently the Dubuque Police Department gets you out safely and on your way home. Within an hour of the event concluding you can easily be home watching Letterman. For those who relax a while and have another soda and chat about how good the show was, there is virtually no wait at all when they decide to pack it up and head home. It is our suggestion that you do not plan on getting out immediately. Go in with this mindset and you'll be quite at ease when the show is over.
10. Pick up after yourself. This is a volunteer run event. All those people in orange vests are just citizens like you who have come down to have a good time. The better we do at putting our trash in the receptacles provided, respecting other people's property, and obeying the law, the more fun we will all have and the more memorable the event will be for the city of Dubuque. Remember that people come from across the country and the world to take part in the Dubuque Jaycees Fireworks on the River. You are a representative of our community. Do your part to make it a welcoming and enjoyable event for everyone you meet.
10 (and a half). Bonus Tip... Log on to Dubuque365.com after the 3rd to see and download photos of the event. Enjoy them, display them, e-mail them around the world or share them with your friends at work. Who knows, maybe we will catch you in our lens.
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