Fireworks Display to Highlight Athens' Fourth of
July Celebration
Contact: Larry Payne, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce president, (740) 594-2251
ATHENS, Ohio (June 5, 2000) -- The skies over southeast Ohio will be illuminated the night of July 4 by one of the largest fireworks displays ever seen in the area. The explosive "Booms Day 2000" extravaganza will begin at 10 p.m. and will continue for about 20 minutes. The fireworks are part of the annual "Fantastic Fourth" festival and will be launched from an area near the Athens County Fairgrounds, the site of most of the Independence Day events.
The fireworks will be choreographed to music broadcast by WXTQ 105.5 FM of Athens.
"To our knowledge, this is the biggest fireworks display ever in the area," said Athens Area Chamber of Commerce President Larry Payne. "It promises to be an exciting finish to a day full of entertaining events that are designed for all members of the family. We're happy that Ohio University stepped forward and offered to be a partner with us developing this exciting schedule of events."
Ohio University, the City of Athens and WXTQ are major sponsors of the fireworks display. Ohio University is sponsoring several other activities, including free ice cream by "Larry's Dawghouse" from noon to 2 p.m. and magician Mark Wood, who will roam the fairgrounds throughout the day, entertaining youngsters.
"The university is pleased to be a partner in this event and to work with the Chamber of Commerce and City of Athens in providing something that will benefit so many families, children and individuals in the area," said Ohio University Vice President for University Advancement Leonard Raley.
Additional thunderous entertainment will be provided by the running of dirt track motorcycle races at 2 p.m. The American Historic Racing Association National Race, which will draw top racers from throughout the United States, is one of only 16 American Motorcycle Association-sanctioned vintage motorcycle events this season.
On the milder side, Southeast Ohio culture will be recognized when area artists and craftspeople display their wares at an arts and crafts show.
"We are looking to offer something for everyone and to make this a true family event," Payne said.
A 9:30 a.m. parade through downtown Athens will launch the day's events. The parade will begin at the corner of Morris Avenue and East State Street and wind its way to the fairgrounds. Long-time Athens County Fair Board members Dick Shaw and Floyd Dillinger, who have been instrumental in the development of the "Fantastic Fourth" festivities, will serve as grand marshals.
Activities, including children's games, entertainer/magician Mark Wood and a rubber duck race off the Richland Avenue Bridge, will continue throughout the day, up to the fireworks finale.
Those wishing to enter the parade or seeking more information about the "Fantastic Fourth" celebration, should contact the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, (740) 594-2251.
Following is a schedule of the day's events:
8:30 a.m. Parade Registration
9:30 a.m. Grand Parade sponsored by Krogers
10 a.m.-noon Kids Games sponsored by Children's Services
10 a.m-close Vendors, Craft Fair
11 a.m. Mark Wood Fun Shows (4 shows during day)
11 a.m.-noon Motorcycle Show Registration
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Car Show Registration
11 a.m.-close WATH/WXTQ Live Remote
noon-2 p.m. Free Ice Cream sponsored by Ohio University
noon-2 p.m. Motorcycle Race Practice
noon-2 p.m. Motorcycle Show sponsored by Athens Sports Cycles
1-4 p.m. Car Show sponsored by Larry Schey Chevrolet
4 p.m. Rubber Duck Race off Richland Avenue Bridge sponsored by Athens Civitan Club & Athens Downtown Kiwanis Club
2-8 p.m. American Historic Racing Association National Race
10 p.m. Booms Day 2000 Fireworks
