The change in venue for Fourth of July fireworks this year — from the previous location at the Central Iowa Fairgrounds to the new spot at the South 6th Street softball diamonds — may take a bit of adjusting for some residents, but a free shuttle bus will be available at several pickup points in town after the Marshalltown city council discussed the matter at the tail end of Monday night’s meeting.

Public Works Director Heather Thomas, who joked that she aimed to “pump the meeting up a bit,” stepped to the podium and asked the rhetorical question “Who’s ready for a celebration?” She said Councilor Mike Ladehoff had reached out to her about transportation options for the July 4 celebration and allowed both Ladehoff and Fireworks Committee Leader Luisa Ortega to provide more details.

Thomas sought to clarify whether the council would like Marshalltown Municipal Transit (MMT) to run that day and whether or not a fare should be charged — she had already conversed with staff and determined they had enough drivers to run two buses.

“The basic thought is (that) we want people to come to the event that want to participate in the event, the dances, all that kind of thing, and we want to make sure that everyone has access to come to the celebration,” Ladehoff said. “We’re looking at a loop with the two buses stopping at the Marshalltown Mall and also the courthouse so you can get on the bus (and) come to the celebration.”

He added that both buses will be running on the same loop, so there will be no concerns about getting on the wrong one. Ortega spoke next and said the conversation about a bus option arose from concerns about the availability of parking in the new fireworks area, and she said she had secured permission to use the mall and the courthouse as pickup sites.

The only remaining question was whether or not to charge a fare, but Ortega was confident they could find local businesses to sponsor free rides to and from the show. Councilor Jeff Schneider agreed with the idea of providing the rides at no cost, and Mayor/Acting City Administrator Joel Greer felt the fare was “a drop in the bucket” in the grand scheme of the larger budget picture.

“Your committee and the councilors that have been helping you on the fundraising have done such a nice job. This is gonna be one big event,” Greer said to Ortega. “I think you’ve got a permanent position with the fireworks committee.”

Doris Kinnick commented that she loved the idea of buses and not having to find a place to park. She also suggested a tip jar to help cover the costs while offering the rides for free.

“I’d be more than willing to put a dollar in a tip jar for a bus ride to this event,” she said.

Ladehoff commended Thomas for jumping to action on providing the rides.

“It really worked out good. We’re really looking forward to this, and I think we’re gonna have a good time,” he said.

Lonnie Hogeland agreed with the idea of making it free and having a tip jar available, and he added that he knew of an auto plaza — his own — that would be willing to donate and “get things rolling.”

With a consensus emerging among the council and the public, Greer felt it was enough to give staff direction to proceed with a free ride option. Before the meeting moved into closed session, 4th Ward city council candidate Melisa Fonseca commented about the option to bike to the event, another way to alleviate parking concerns.

On Thursday, Ladehoff confirmed that the buses will be running for free on the Fourth with a few key points of interest highlighted.

The main stops are the front entrance of the Marshalltown Mall, the MHS Roundhouse, the south side of the courthouse, the south side of Miller Middle School and the softball complex on 6th Street by the skatepark.

The shuttle will start at 4 p.m. and end at 10 p.m. but could run later depending on the demand.

The buses will be at the stops approximately every 15 minutes.

Anyone can flag down a bus at any street intersection along the route to get on or off.

All buses are wheelchair accessible, and the driver will help passengers get on and off the bus as well as strap down all wheelchairs, strollers, walkers and any other mobility devices.

All buses are equipped with bicycle racks.

The service will be free, and any tips collected will be put toward next year’s fireworks fund.

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Contact Robert Maharry at 641-753-6611 ext. 255 or rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.