Coordinators for both the Fourth of July fireworks and parade said that despite the recent heat and drought they do not expect related problems at either event.

Angelia Burget, a Red, White & Blue Days committee member, said this is something all groups involved with the events have discussed several times.

“It’s something that we’ve had several experts weigh in on so I feel pretty confident about it,” she said.

The Charleston Fourth of July parade will start at 1 p.m. Wednesday starting at the Square and ending at Morton Park.

Vendors will be set up at the Coles County Memorial Airport starting bet 5 and 6 p.m. and the firework show will start after 9 p.m.

Kim Carmean, an administrative assistant at the airport, said employees there have been spraying water throughout the fields of the airport in order to limit the risk of fire.

Fire Chief Pat Goodwin said the fire, police, and emergency departments of both Charleston and Mattoon have stepped up the amount of resources they plan to provide to the fireworks show in order to make it safer.

“We’ve beefed up fire and EMS so we should be good,” he said.

He said the fire department will have misting stations set up at the airport to help keep people c.

Goodwin said he urges people to use common sense and safety when dealing with heat and fire.

“Watch out for each other, stay hydrated,” He said. “Just a good, old bottle of water is the best thing.”

Diane Ratliff, a Red, White & Blue Days committee member, said those coming to the parade are also encouraged to drink lots of water.

She said in addition to misting stations set up by the fire department in Morton Park, there will also be several vendors selling drinks.

“People usually bring their families which makes it a very family friendly environment,” she said.

Betty Coffrin, another committee member, said she does not expect the parade to have many animals because of the heat.

Despite this she said the parade should be entertaining.

Coffrin said the parade will have over 80 units including several businesses, churches, antique tractors, the Charleston community band and Mr. and Mrs. Clause on vacation.

“It’s an election year so of course there will be politicians with tons of candy,” she said.

Seth Schroeder can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].