Fireworks and music part of Labor Day weekend in Peru

A party on Water Street that was delayed by flooding along the Illinois River will finally happen. Bring your family and lawn chairs to the Peru riverfront Saturday night for fireworks, music and food.

Traditionally, the Peru fireworks display is on July 3 but flooding along the river washed out the area from where the fireworks are usually launched. Police Chief Doug Bernabei also thought it was too dangerous to have people sitting so close to the swollen river.

You’ll find what you would normally see: a CSO beer garden, a kids’ area near Maze Lumber, and live music. The fireworks begin at dusk and will be synchronized to music on Classic Hits 103.9 WLPO.

You won’t be able to drive down to Water Street after 7:30pm. Parking won’t be allowed on a number of the streets on the way down to Water Street.

Peru Fireworks Rescheduled Again

If you were planning your Labor Day Weekend around Peru’s rescheduled 4th of July fireworks, you may need to tweak your schedule. Peru Park Board President Ray Zborowski says the fireworks will now be at dusk Saturday, August 30. The change was made to allow for Sunday to be used as a rain date.   

Trial reenactments, music and fireworks planned in Hennepin

Independence Day in Hennepin is more than a party with fireworks – it’s a step back in time. The village is celebrating the 175^th Anniversary of the Putnam County Courthouse along with their traditional July Fourth activities.

Village Board member Quentin Buffington thinks everyone will enjoy reenactments of a trial in which Abraham Lincoln was an attorney.  The reenactments are at 1:30pm and 2:30pm Friday at the Putnam County Courthouse. Local actor John Redshaw will be playing the part of Lincoln. 

The courthouse will be the backdrop for The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra when they perform at 6pm.  They’ll be followed by the Craigs. In between concerts there will be a golf cart parade featuring decorated golf carts. You’ll also find food booths and a beer garden. The fireworks start at 9:30pm on the riverfront.

Learn more by listening to an interview that’s available at the WLPO AM and FM news page.