Fair Park Fourth 2012

Celebrate Independence Day with festivities for all ages and be dazzled by beautiful fireworks from inside Dallas’ historic Cotton Bowl Stadium at MetroPCS FAIR PARK FOURTH from 4:30 – 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, at Fair Park. Free and open to the public, the family-fun event will feature a Dallas Wind Symphony patriotic performance, reduced admission to Fair Park’s museums from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., “dancing water” shows at the Esplanade Fountain, carnival games, plus a spectacular fireworks show sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers. For the ultimate experience, guests are encouraged to watch the fireworks from inside the Cotton Bowl.

4:30 - 7:30 p.m. – Reduced admission to Fair Park’s participating museums: African American Museum, Dallas Historical Society/Hall of State, Texas Discovery Gardens, Museum of Nature & Science, The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, Texas Discovery Gardens, and the Texas Museum of Automotive History.

4:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Delight in Bellagio-style “dancing water” shows at the Esplanade Fountain choreographed to music including Stars and Stripes Forever, Over the Rainbow, Yellow Rose of Texas, Aaron Copland’s Hoedown of the popular Rodeo suite, Jarabe Tapatillo (Mexican Hat Dance) and Irish Jig. Show times are at 4:30, 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m.

8 p.m. – Dallas Wind Symphony patriotic performance in front of the Hall of State.

8 p.m. - Gate D opens to Cotton Bowl (Gate D is only entrance; handicap entrance is at Gate C)

9:30 p.m. – Fireworks program. Recommended seating for fireworks is inside the Cotton Bowl. Visitors also may sit throughout the Fair Park grounds. The event closes at 10 p.m.

The Swan Boats will be available for $10 per boat. Concessions will be sold, or guests are invited to bring their own picnics. Please note: Concession stands and Swan Boats accept cash only. ATM machines will be available.

Alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, fireworks or firearms are NOT permitted on Fair Park grounds. Strollers, coolers and pets are NOT permitted inside the Cotton Bowl.

Admission is free. The City of Dallas charges $10 for parking within the gates of Fair Park. Parking will be available at Gates 2, 5, 6, 10 and 11, with handicap parking at Gate 5. Or visitors may ride DART’s Green Line Rail to the Fair Park or MLK, Jr. station.

Photo by Justin L. Turveen