STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza made it clear this week- his city is open for business in full force this summer after things fell silent last year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
And all the events are leading up to what he’s billing as the city’s “party to end COVID,” the 2021 Riverfront Rendezvous at Pfiffiner Pioneer Park.
“We’re almost out of this thing, so this year’s going to be a blast,” said Wiza. “We’ll have food vendors, the headliners have all been released, and we are going to have the best fireworks show this area has ever seen,” said Wiza.
Headlining acts this year include a Prince tribute band and the popular party group Horseshoes and Hand Grenades.
As for those fireworks, Wiza says a pair of changes means residents will get even more bang for the buck this year. The city carried over last year’s budget to this year and will be launching the display from the river instead of the shore. Meaning not only will more people be able to see the display, but they’ll also be able to fire off a bigger mortar.
“We were restricted to six inches, which are still pretty big, but now we can go up 20% [to eight inches]. It’s going to be bigger, better, faster- it’s going to be an amazing fireworks show,” said Wiza.
Music events begin the evening of June 2nd at 7:00. Family games will open two hours earlier at 5 PM. Events continue Saturday, June 3rd with more music and the 2021 Carp Classic along with a cornhole tournament and horseshoe tournament.
Sunday, July 4th brings the city’s 4th of July parade at noon and music on the main stage beginning at 1. The fireworks show will launch at dusk.
Other topics Mayor Wiza discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- events for the upcoming weekend and a preview of Riverfront Rendezvous
6:00- Feelings on getting back to in-person interactions
10:30- Stevens Point’s Juneteenth observance
13:30- Call to support Stevens Point businesses now that the pandemic is waning
