The Culver Town Council members responded to a proposed fireworks event scheduled for July 4 on Lake Maxinkuckee.
Since the Culver Lakefest event was canceled along with the annual fireworks event at the Culver Academies, the Culver Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Maxinkuckee Association proposed holding a fireworks event on several large barges on Lake Maxinkuckee for Culver residents. Officials said a large amount of funding was committed to the event and hope a financial contribution can be made from the citizens of Culver.
Culver Town Council President Ginny Bess Munroe stated Tuesday night that while the world needs a positive, fun event such as this one, town officials have to keep the health of the citizens in mind. There wasn’t a special event request submitted for the event as it is technically taking place on Lake Maxinkuckee and the town does not have jurisdiction there. However, if a significant amount of people start occupying the Town Park and not on private property, resources would need to be enacted to ensure the health and safety of residents. A permit would also have to be issued at a cost.
Representatives behind the Lakefest event and the Fourth of July fireworks event at Culver Academies canceled their events to protect the health and safety of residents and the Chamber’s event brings up those same concerns.
It was noted that Marshall County has seen a sharp increase in positive COVID-19 cases and it would be hard to monitor social distancing if the event ended up on town property.
The council members voiced their opinions and are not in support of the event mainly due to health and safety concerns. They unanimously approved a motion to submit a letter to the Chamber explaining the council’s reasoning behind their collective decision and also to the DNR who would be issuing a permit for the event since it is proposed on barges on Lake Maxinkuckee.
