La Crosse Riverfest cancels some water events
Mississippi River's high water level to blame
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — La Crosse Riverfest organizers have decided to cancel the River City Water Show and Fly Board Extreme events due safety concerns with the high water level of the Mississippi River at La Crosse.
The River is at 13 feet, one foot above flood stage, and is forecasted to remain above flood stage through Riverfest 2014.
The following events have been canceled because of safety concerns:
River City Water Ski Show Thursday July 3, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday July 4, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday July 4, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Fly Board Xtreme Thursday July 3, 12 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Friday July 4, 12 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The following events will continue as scheduled:
Bill Blank Air Show Thursday July 3, 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Friday July 4, 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Kwik Trip Firework Extravaganza Friday July 4, 10 p.m.
Venetian Parade of Lights Saturday July 5, 9:30 p.m.
The Big Blue Dragon Boat Race has been moved to the Black River due to the high water level on the Mississippi River. The Race will not take place near Copeland Park on July 5. Organizers are finalizing logistics for teams, sponsors, volunteers and spectators.
Riverfest runs Wednesday, July 2 – Saturday, July 5.
PREVIOUS STORY (June 25, 2014):
La Crosse Riverfest events are still scheduled as planned, but event organizers are keeping a close watch on the Mississippi River’s high water level.
As of Wednesday afternoon, none of the water events have been cancelled, which involves the River City Waterski Show, Flyboard Extreme Demonstrations, and the Big Blue Dragon Boat Races, according to President and Media Director Nick Bjerke.
“The safety of every performer or participant is very important and with high water comes additional risks and laws that must be reviewed. We will continue to make every effort to have each event as planned. Should any events be cancelled we will notify this distribution list along with posts on our website and Facebook page.” Bjerke said in a statement.
Riverfest Organizers are working closely with the Coast Guard to monitor river conditions. All events have contingency plans in place, including re-locations if conditions get worse.
The Kwik Trip Firework Extravaganza is also still scheduled for July 4.
