Dr Pepper Snapple Group Fair Park Fourth July 4, 2008

Free Independence Day celebration at Dallas Fair Park to feature spectacular Grucci fireworks, plus a patriotic program with the Dallas Wind Symphony, free museum exhibits and more

Grab a blanket, the kids and head to the Dr Pepper Snapple Group FAIR PARK FOURTH for a spectacular Grucci fireworks celebration on Friday, July 4, 2008 that will be the biggest in North Texas and ranked among the nations top 20 fireworks program. Presented by Friends of Fair Park (www.fairpark.org), the festivities will be held throughout Dallas Fair Park from 5 10 p.m. and will feature free admission to the Fair Park museums from 5 8 p.m., a patriotic program featuring the Dallas Wind Symphony and the U.S. Army Brass Quintet at 8:15 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at approximately 9:30 p.m. The event, which is the City of Dallas official fireworks celebration, is free and open to the public.

Fireworks by Grucci, one of the nations premiere fireworks pyrotechnics firms, has been tapped to ignite the skies at Fair Park for a spectacular display. The Gruccis, Americas First Family of Fireworks, have produced some of the worlds most unforgettable fireworks programs for the Olympic Games, Statue of Liberty Centennial, New Years Eve Celebrations in New York City, World Fairs and six consecutive Presidential Inaugurations.

The Grucci fireworks will be synchronized to choreographed music with live broadcast on WRR 101.1 FM. Viewing areas with sound will be located in the park along the Esplanade, Lagoon, Cotton Bowl Plaza and Big Tex Circle. Attendees are invited to bring in lawn chairs, blankets and picnic-type foods. Fourth-of-July favorite concessions will be available for sale.

FAIR PARK FOURTH will kick off at 5 p.m. with special programming and events at the various Fair Park museums. Visitors can cool off in and browse all the museums, which will be open FREE of charge from 5 8 p.m. that day. Also at that time the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs Neighborhood Touring Program will feature musical artists performing adjacent to each museum.

An hour-long patriotic program, hosted by WFAA Channel 8s Cynthia Izaguirre, will get underway at 8:15 p.m. outside the Hall of State. The program will feature the Dallas Wind Symphony and the U.S. Army Brass Quintet of Washington, D.C. with vocalist Master Sergeant Caleb Green from the U.S. Army Band. Then the spectacular Fireworks by Grucci program will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Another highlight of the day will be the Dallas Summer Musicals presentation of the mega-popular HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. Specially discounted tickets will be offered for a 2 p.m. matinee (top seating prices at just $35)! Families are encouraged to come to the musical, play in the museums, then cheer on the fireworks!

The fireworks makings

According to Phil Butler of Fireworks by Grucci, the fireworks program will take four days to set up, 26 hours of choreography, six pyrotechnicians dedicated to the project working 160 man hours to set up, 25 firing battering and 396 firing cues.

Approximately 20 tons of sand is necessary to fill the firing batteries, and 20 miles of wire is needed to circuit fire the batteries. The most exclusive shell, which costs $150, is the Gold Split Comet, the Grucci signature shell. The fireworks program requires lumber for set up equivalent to what is used to side an average family house!

Sponsors, general information and restrictions

Dr Pepper Snapple Group is the title sponsor of A Fair Park Fourth. Other sponsors are American Airlines, AT&T, Baylor University Medical Center, Bud Light and Bud Light & Clamato. Media sponsors are The Dallas Morning News, WFAA Channel 8, WRR 101.1 FM, Jack FM CASA 106.7, El Norte 98.3 FM, LA RAZA 93.7 FM, XO 101.7 FM and La Ranchera 1540 AM.

Proceeds from the Dr Pepper Snapple Group FAIR PARK FOURTH will benefit Friends of Fair Park, a 501 (c) 3 organization.

The Texas Skyway Gondola ride and all of the parks water features will be running. Please note that concessions, carnival games and the Texas SkyWay require coupons. Swan Boats accept cash. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnics allowed. Please no alcoholic beverages, glass bottles or fireworks allowed.

For more information, go to www.fairpark.org or call the Fair Park information line at 214-421-9600.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of tmayad.