MADISON (WKOW) -- A number of people were determined to celebrate the 4th of July despite the heat. The holiday will be a memorable one not necessarily for fireworks or parades, but for temperatures reaching into the 100s.
"We're in the shade but were still pretty hot," said Jeff Simmons, who attended the Kid's Bike Parade and other festivities in Monona. Like Simmons, those in attendance were seeking shade.
It's advice that officials have been passing out. "Just mainly urging people to stay out of the sun, don't stay out for a long people of time and drink a lot of water," said Lt. Tom McNeal with the Monona Fire Department.
The Monona Community Festival offered an art fair, music and food throughout the day. "My husband and I always come down," said long time Monona resident JoAnne Hanson. She continued, "I usually don't swim on the 4th but today I'm going to go in the pool."
Relief from the heat wasn't far at most of Wednesday's celebrations. "We are trying to provide a little more water entertainment than we normally do," said Captain Gary Johnson of the Shorewood Hills Fire Department.
Their parade kicked off at 1:30 p.m., one of the hottest parts of the day.
"It's not too bad, with the breeze and in the shade it's manageable," said Ryan Zerwer, who brought his kids to the parade.
Despite a 102 degree high Wednesday, the outdoors seemed "manageable" for many.
