Posted: Sat, 3 Jul 2010 07:23 PM - 12,014 Readers

By: Tim Ruzek

Rain on Austin's parade?

It's looking like a possibility Sunday during the community's annual Independence Day parade that runs from north to south on Main Street as well as as for both nights of fireworks.

Unfortunately, the poor weather is being projected as the Spamtown USA Freedom Fest celebrates its 25th anniversary, which has led to plans this year for a larger-than-usual fireworks display Sunday night.

About 20,000 to 25,000 people are expected to take in the parade and fireworks Sunday.

As of Friday, however, showers and thunderstorms were forecasted as "likely" Sunday but mainly after 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wis. There's a 70 percent chance of thunderstorms Sunday during the day and a 50 percent chance of storms Sunday night.

Austin's parade starts at 11 a.m., possibly helping it avoid any storm effects. Entertainment at the bandshell, though, is slated to start at 1 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m. Sunday.

Fireworks begin at dusk.

A fireworks display also is planned for dusk today at the bandshell but there's a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms tonight, with a low temperature of 68 degrees.

Today also is Family Day in the Park, featuring art exhibits, food, a beer garden and entertainment from 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the bandshell. Most of today is supposed to be rain-free but breezy, with highs in the upper 80s.

More thunderstorms are a possibility Monday — the observed holiday for many workers because Independence Day falls on Sunday this year.