by David Chapman
Staff Writer
The City’s Special Events Department is looking to make the upcoming Independence Day an extended affair by promoting events during the week of the fireworks festivities that should give people plenty of Downtown entertainment options. Those just looking for a scenic vantage point for the annual pyrotechnics display will have options, too.
“We definitely have a lot of things going on Downtown this year,” said Christina Langston, public relations manager for the City’s Office of Special Events. “We’ll have something for everyone.”
The City’s “Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks” Independence Day promotion begins July 1 with the Jacksonville Suns baseball game and Tom Waits at the Times-Union Center and ends July 6 with a Summer Movie Classics showing of “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and live entertainment at the Jacksonville Landing – but between the two days is much more.
Art Walk is still scheduled for July 2, as are all the Suns games July 1–3. Though the Suns will be out of town July 4, the organization will bump up its fireworks display – usually reserved for Friday games – to Thursday to helps fans celebrate.
For those looking to beat the heat, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena will be converted into a chilly ice skating rink July 4-5 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. with ice shows at noon and 3 p.m. Admission is $2 and includes skate rentals.
Metro Park will host its own July Fourth at Kids Kampus, where children will be able to participate in numerous activities such as a watermelon seed shooting contest and sack races from 9:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. It will be open regular hours from 8:30 a.m.– 7 p.m.
But the holiday night itself is still the biggest draw.
The annual fireworks display will bring thousands Downtown and many Downtown hotels are trying to capitalize by offering patrons more bang for their buck through special deals.
“Downtown Jacksonville is the place to be for the celebration and after the live entertainment and fireworks, we want to encourage people to stay the night,” said John Reyes, president and CEO of Visit Jacksonville.
The Hyatt will host the 10-piece “Palm Court Society Orchestra” on its river deck during the fireworks. Tickets are $5 for Hyatt guests, $10 for non-guests.
Downtown hotels the Omni, Wyndham, Crowne Plaza, Hampton Inn Central and Extended Stay America have various weekend packages and all offer different views, too.
But the biggest fireworks party might be at the Jacksonville Landing.
“It’s always a huge event that attracts thousands,” said Janet Kiddy, public relations director for the Landing. “This year should be no different and we expect a big turnout.”
Those who do attend will see the usual bevy of live entertainment and vendors to keep the atmosphere rolling.
Holiday opening ceremonies begin July 4 at 4:30 p.m., with country performances by The Road Hammers and Joe Nichols at 5 p.m. and 6:20 p.m., respectively.
John Rich of country music’s Big and Rich will be the headline act at 8:20 p.m. and will conclude with the beginning of the fireworks display.
“Getting an act of that caliber (John Rich) should make a lot of people happy,” said Langston. “In his role on television recently (serving as a judge on realty show ‘Nashville Star’), people will definitely recognize him.”
For more information on the City’s “Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks” promotion, go to www.coj.net; the Jacksonville Landing’s events, go to www.jacksonvillelanding.com and Downtown hotel packages and specials, go to www.visitjacksonville.com.
Fireworks fast facts
So, what exactly goes into the fireworks extravaganza Downtown? Some facts about this year’s event from the City’s Office of Special Events.
Time: Begins at 9:45, will run for roughly 10-12 minutes.
Cost: $45,000
Locations: Three main barges, one near the Jacksonville Landing, one near the Hyatt and one near Metro Park.
Fireworks shells: 1,140
Shells and special effects boxes: 6,658
Personnel: Several crews of trained professionals, hired by the City.
356-2466