The Salem City Council Monday night to keep fireworks on the 4th of July, but hold the city’s bicentennial celebration on the prior Saturday, July 1st.
The main points for the decision were the city’s tradition of holding the fire works on July 4th and the potential for more activities for the Bicentennial if they did not have to stop in time for the fireworks.
The Salem Historical Society is spearheading the Bicentennial Celebration. Member Luke Purcell outlines activities currently planned.
“We’ve got some Civil War reenactors with a working replica of the cannon that is within the courthouse and some other Civil War reenactors who portray the Illinois 111th which was based in Salem. Plan on engaging the help of civic organizations and churches and any other groups throughout the city. And using the facilities at the park using some of the new facilities like the sand volleyball court and disc golf.”
Purcell says they have articles from 100 years ago to base some of the activities, but says the sports are different and the celebration will not be downtown.
With the decision on dates, the city will enter into a contract with Matt Poss to provide sound and entertainment on July 1st. Food trucks will also be sought to participate in the bicentennial.
