People around the Quad City area love to celebrate the 4th of July, but with the state of the economy, many towns have been forced to scale back their celebrations or even cancel them all together.
The latter was the story in Clinton, IA until just a few weeks ago. This is when two sisters heeded the call to action and created a Facebook page. Their goal was to save the parade when the decades old tradition was canceled along with Riverboat Days.
Since the end of May they've raised $1,700 and with the support of the community, brought the celebration back to Clinton. Beyond the parade and fireworks there's a long list of old fashioned-style, 4th of July events, including potato sack races, a petting zoo, and a fire department "hose-off".
Citizens in Prophetstown, IL seemed to be facing a similar fate to their fourth festivities. The state of Illinois changed their policies requiring an additional $4 million in liability insurance to use the state park.
With the potential threat of their almost 50 year tradition being canceled, the Lion's Club, the group that puts on the fireworks, banned together and raised the $10,000 needed to go on with the celebration.
Tyler Gensen conveys the sentiment of the community ."Everyone said that Prophetstown had the best firework display in the area, and I think everyone was proud of it."
The Prophetstown 4th of July festivities consist of bands, basketball, kid's games, and of course fireworks in Prophetstown State Park.
For information on other Quad City Area Independence Day celebrations, click here.
