Independence Day is a day to commemorate the Declaration of Independence. It is a day for friends and families to get together to celebrate with barbecues, parades and fireworks. The City of Whitefish encourages safety while celebrating the 4th of July and to be considerate of your neighbors. Celebrating the holiday with fireworks can be a terrifying ordeal for some combat veterans. The City has ensured regulations for discharging fireworks within the city limits.
Fireworks can only be discharged between 11:00 A.M and 10:00 P.M. on July 3rd; and between 11:00 A.M. and 11:59 P.M. on July 4th. Permitted fireworks are those that are cardboard or heavy paper cylinder tube or cone that produces a shower of color and sparks that reach a maximum of 15 feet; may whistle or pop; and is not designed to explode or leave the ground; may be a pyrotechnic wheel device that can be attached to a post or tree; or any device that spins, jumps, or emits popping sounds when placed on the ground; and does not travel laterally more than 10 feet on a smooth surface when discharged.
The Parks and Recreation is preparing for another fun-filled 4th of July celebration at Whitefish City Beach with fireworks and food vendors to celebrate the occasion. There will be numerous vendors including shaved ice, mini-doughnuts, kettle corn, ice cream, corndogs, and barbecue. Vendors will be open in the early evening and stay open until the fireworks start.
We would like to remind beach patrons that the main City Beach parking lot will be closed to allow vendors to set up. Parking will be limited all day in and around City Beach.
Traffic control will be set up by 7:00 p.m. on roads surrounding the beach area. The boat launch at City Beach as well as the Prevention and Decontamination Station will close at 7:00 p.m. Decontamination must be performed prior to launching in Whitefish Lake for watercraft that have ballast tanks or bags. The boat launch at Whitefish Lake State Park will close at 9:00 p.m.
The Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the fireworks display at City Beach and will begin at dusk (appx 10:30 P.M.) and last approximately 30 minutes. Parking is limited at City Beach, so we encourage patrons to walk, bike or take the free shuttle bus service, compliments of Rocky Mountain Transportation, that will run between downtown Whitefish and City Beach from 7:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. The busses will load on Central Avenue, in front of the O'Shaughnessy Arts Center.
Please remember no dogs are allowed at City Beach in both the beach and park areas. No personal fireworks, alcohol, or glass containers are allowed. Please help us to keep the beach clean and clean up your trash before heading home for the evening.
Have a fun and safe 4th of July!