News & Record Pops Concert and Gate City Fireworks Spectacular July 4, 2011

The 37th annual Fun Fourth Festival will move its grand finale News & Record Pops Concert and Gate City Fireworks Spectacular to a new home at White Oak Amphitheatre at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex on Monday, July 4 from 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

White Oak Amphitheatre boasts 2,005 reserved seats and an overall capacity of 7,666. The public is welcome to bring blankets and cushions for lawn seating. It is estimated that over 60,000 people will be able to view the fireworks within a 3-mile radius of the Coliseum Complex at 1921 West Lee Street.

The event and parking will continue to be free of charge with the support of Fun Fourth Festival sponsors including News & Record, City of Greensboro, Greensboro Coliseum Complex, WFMY News 2, Fairway Outdoor Advertising and other community organizations and businesses.

The News & Record Pops Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. featuring the Greensboro Philharmonia Orchestra; the theme will be “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Congressman Howard Coble will give a brief Independence Day Address during the ceremonies at 9:00 p.m. The Orchestra will play the 1812 Overture as the lights go down in the parking lots. The Gate City Fireworks Spectacular will brighten the skies from 9:30 – 10:00 p.m.

The Fun Fourth Festival is produced by Grassroots Productions Limited. This local non-profit organization focuses on charitable and educational activities which foster interest in local history and events in Guilford County. More than 100 businesses and the City of Greensboro help sponsor the events. Over 12,000 volunteer hours of assistance are also donated. An advisory board of local business and civic leaders oversees the planning of each event.

• Gates open 5:30 p.m.
• News & Record Pops Concert w/ Greensboro Philharmonia Orchestra 7:30 – 8:45 p.m.
• Independence Day Ceremonies 8:50 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
• Gate City Fireworks Spectacular 9:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Admission and parking free; no pets, please.
• Tailgating allowed in parking lot.
• Food & beverage vendors adjacent to Amphitheatre
• Blankets and Cushions allowed on lawn
• No lawn chairs, outside food and beverages in White Oak Amphitheatre.
• Rain date Tuesday, July 5.
• Follow cancellation and weather delays via Twitter @Fun4thGSO