Wellman’s Fourth goes well, despite weather

WELLMAN — Early morning rain and oppressive humidity delayed but did not halt July 4 celebrations in Wellman on Monday.

Parade Masters of Ceremonies Shawn Powell and Tracy Owens said they were impressed by how many stuck out the one-hour delay.

“I was very happy, for postponing, to see how many people came out and hung around,” Powell said. “I think it was a success. It was an hour, and it’s usually about 50 minutes to an hour, so it was actually more than normal.”

The Fourth has been a mainstay in the town for decades. Wellman Community Club President Heather Trimpe said it was an established fact.

“This is Wellman’s big thing,” she said. “This is the one thing we do every year and everybody knows that … our fireworks have always been the best.”

There are efforts to boost the holiday even further. Trimpe said the goal was to meet nostalgic expectations.

“It’s not as upscale as it used to be in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but we’re trying to bring that back,” she said. “We’re trying to get families and people that are coming back for the experience they had as a kid, for their kids. We’re trying to get more family friendly activities, so you can spend the day at the park, just like it used to be when we were growing up.”

Upscale or otherwise, those who attend the festivities say they’re happy to see community members brought together.

“People come from all over, a lot of people that have moved away come back,” said Gloria Boise, who attended the parade. “You see a lot of great people.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com