Big changes coming to Fourth of July celebration at MSSU due to COVID-19

(This post has been changed to add the city's news release at the end.)

Big changes are in store for the annual Fourth of July celebration at Missouri Southern State University this year due to the continuing spread of COVID-19.

During the City of Joplin's weekly press conference a few moments ago, Parks and Recreation Director Paul Bloomberg said other parts of the celebration will not be held this year, but the fireworks display will go on.

Hughes Stadium will be closed, Bloomberg said. Those attending will be able to watch the 9:45 fireworks show from their vehicles. 

It will also be shown live on KGCS-TV and on the MSSU Facebook page.

The Joplin Parks and Recreation Department issued the following news release today:

In consideration of social distancing guidelines and mass gathering limits, the City of Joplin and Missouri Southern State University have modified the 2020 Independence Day Celebration. This year’s event will be a fireworks-only show on Saturday, July 4th at 9:45 p.m. The fireworks will be set off on the eastern side of the Missouri Southern State University campus.

“We felt this was the safest way to celebrate, considering current events.” Said Paul Bloomberg, Parks and Recreation Director. “Having the fireworks display gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy a little piece of our traditional event while still social distancing and being mindful of other guidelines.”

Area residents are welcome to watch the display from their vehicle from designated MSSU parking lots. “The great thing about the location of the campus is that it is one of the tallest points in Joplin, which provides a good viewing experience from different vantage points around the area.” said Bloomberg.

The fireworks show will start at 9:45pm and will last approximately 20 minutes. A warning shot will be blasted 10 minutes before the show begins. The show will be set to music, which visitors can tune into 88.7 KXMS to experience. The entirety of the fireworks celebration will be broadcast live on KGCS TV Channel 21 and on Missouri Southern’s Facebook page.

The stadium and amenities will be closed to the public.

For more information about this year’s celebration, contact Joplin Parks & Recreation at (417) 625-4750 or visit https://www.mssu.edu/independenceday.Additional Info...