Light Up Arlington takes July 3 fireworks show downtown for 2009

by PegNews wire

Forget about lighting up the lake: there's more room for fireworks watchers in the heart of the city.

Organizers of the City of Arlington's annual fireworks extravaganza are moving the festivities this year to the downtown/university district, with the roof of the Municipal Office Tower to be used as a launching platform for the colorful exploding shells.

For the past two years the event has been referred to as "Light Up the Lake" due to its Lake Arlington locality; but the burgeoning crowds (estimated at 15,000 last year) can be more effectively accommodated in and around Levitt Pavilion, say civic officials. Plus, the Levitt facility will act as a more efficient staging area for the live musical performances, children's activities and vendors that will also be part of the evening's agenda.

The hullabaloo is set to begin at 5 p.m. July 3, with the fireworks themselves planned to go off at 9:45 p.m.

“With our new park and pavilion, and annual Independence Day Parade, we are tying all of this together for an exciting weekend of entertainment, children’s activities and fireworks,” says Maggie Campbell, president and CEO of the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation. “Our vision for the Downtown/University District is a vibrant place where the community celebrates.”

Which the community will continue to do on July 4, with the Independence Day Parade, featuring about 150 decorative floats, marching bands and something like 3,000 participants. The expected 50,000 spectators can expect the parade to begin at 9 a.m.; its theme this year is "Commemorating Our National Monuments and Memorials.”

But that's not all, folks! Ballpark visitors taking in the Texas Rangers home games against Tampa Bay on both July 3 and 4 will be treated to their own fireworks shows following the games - regardless of who wins.

For more information on the parade, go here.

For Light Up Arlington details, go here.

posted by JM