Independence Day Holiday Closings; Changes to Fireworks Law Statewide

Published on June 13, 2025

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City Hall and most City departments and divisions, including Ames Public Library, Resource Recovery Plant, and the Community Center will be closed on Friday, July 4, in recognition of Independence Day. In addition, there will be no CyRide service on Friday, July 4.

Fireworks, sponsored by Discover Ames, will be held after dusk, generally around 10 p.m., on Thursday, July 3, near Jack Trice Stadium. The Fourth of July parade on Main Street, sponsored by Downtown Ames, will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 4.

There have been recent changes to Iowa fireworks law. New legislation makes exploding fireworks legal only on private property during certain hours on July 3, July 4, and Dec. 31. To legally explode fireworks, the person exploding fireworks must own the property or have the consent of the owner to use consumer fireworks on that property. For more information, go to www.CityOfAmes.org/fireworks.

Exploding of consumer fireworks is prohibited on public property. This includes property:

  • Owned by the City such as parks, streets, sidewalks, trails, and rights-of-way
  • Owned by the Ames Community School District including school grounds, practice fields, and offices
  • Owned by Iowa State University including campus, residence halls, and parking lots
  • Any other public property within City limits

The Ames/ISU Ice Arena will be open on Friday, July 4. Also, Homewood Golf Course will be open, weather permitting. Make tee time reservations online at www.amesparkrec.org.

Furman Aquatic Center will be open on Friday, July 4, barring inclement weather, but closing early at 6 p.m. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Furman Aquatic Center Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/FurmanAquaticCenter or call the hotline at 515.239.5434. A weekly calendar of hours is also available at www.amesparkrec.org.