Fireworks Display to mark Santa Monica Pier centennial

Display location:Santa Monica Pier
City:Santa Monica
State:California
Date:Sept. 9
Contact: Santa Monica Pier, (310) 458-8900

Details: The Sept. 9 centennial party will include a day of activities that culminate in the pier’s first large-scale fireworks spectacular in 18 years.
The pier, a magnet for tourists, has appeared in a bevy of movies, including “Funny Girl,” “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” “The Sting” and “Forrest Gump.”
Built in 1909, the pier draws millions of visitors each year, but its future was in jeopardy in the 1970s, when Santa Monica proposed tearing it down.
A grass-roots campaign to “Save Our Pier Forever” grew from a few members of the fishing community to the entire community and helped save the structure.
“The pier today remains an icon, a single remnant of history on a coast that was once peppered with piers,” said Ben Franz-Knight, director of the pier’s Restoration Corporation.
“It offers nostalgia for yesteryear,” he said, but remains “a vibrant entertainment center. It deserves the birthday celebration of a century.”
Among centennial activities will be a grand re-opening ceremony at 6 p.m. that will feature a group of centenarians who will cut a 100-foot birthday cake. The fireworks show is tentatively planned for 8:45 p.m.
There also will be beach activities and a charity auction benefitting Special Olympics Southern California that includes dinner and a private VIP viewing area of the centennial fireworks show.
Contact: Santa Monica Pier, (310) 458-8900

Fireworks Display to light up "Celebrate Melrose" weekend

Display location:Melrose High School football field.
City:Melrose
State: Massachusetts
Date:Sept. 12 at 8 p.m

Details: "Celebrate Melrose," a weekend event kicking off on Saturday, Sept. 12, just got a bigger bang for its buck.

Mayor Robert Dolan announced Tuesday that the event would include a fireworks display on Saturday night at the Melrose High School football field. The 25-minute display will begin promptly at 8 p.m., but a DJ start spinning at 6 p.m., when games and concessions will be available.

Dolan said the fireworks would help draw Melrosians past and present to the weekend festival, which includes the 29th Annual Victorian Fair on Sunday.

"We want this to be our signature celebration," he said, adding that a large crowd would help local businesses and bring the community closer together. He credited former Mayor Dick Lyons with spearheading the effort to add fireworks to the program.

"Well that's nice of the mayor, but it was his idea," said Lyons. He led a committee of local business leaders and city officials who brainstormed funding strategies for the big bang. The committee asked 11 area businesses to back the fireworks, raising about $14,000 in no time, according to Lyons.

"We have a lot of people who are very community-oriented, so raising money was fairly easy," Lyons said, noting that they ended up with a $3,000 surplus, which the city plans to set aside for a fireworks display next year.

But the inaugural blast is a tribute to former Mayor James Milano, who turns 100 this month and still remains active in local affairs.

"He's the most remarkable person I've ever meant," Lyons said.

Other weekend events include a "vintage" baseball game at Morelli Field; Victorian Tea at the Beebe Estate, which requires a reservation; a dog show at Lewis Monk Field; and an open house at the Boston Metro Hi-Railers Train Club on Essex Street.

Dolan wants to keep the weekend a jam-packed extravaganza - powder keg included - for years to come.

"We want to keep this going every year," he said.

New Year's Eve family fireworks display moved to Yarra Park

Display location: Yarra Park
City: Melbourne
Country:Australia
Date: New Year's Eve
Details:The Melbourne City Council has decided to move the family event on New Year's Eve to Yarra Park because of concerns of overcrowding.Lord Mayor Robert Doyle says council has found that the event was so successful last year that it was becoming a safety issue. He said they can no longer allow the early family celebrations to cross over with midnight event because there were too many people in the CBD at one time. "That created a crush that while safe last year, we could not guarantee next year," he said.Councillor Doyle says the council has decided to "reshape" the evening with a family festival at Yarra Park which they hope will attract between 30,000 and 60,000 people."We will do a great New Year's Eve party for them that culminates in fireworks at 9.15pm."He said they will also have the normal New Year's Eve event in the CBD as well.He said the new arrangements will cost an extra $500,000 bringing the total budget for this year's New Year's Eve celebrations to $1.5 million."It's a lot of money. But it's money well spent and it brings families into the city, safely, to have a good time, in a free event," he said."I want to make it bigger and better than ever. I want families and children to be able to enjoy it and I want people to get here and be safe and then to get home, quickly and safely."The Premier, John Brumby says he regularly attends New Year's Eve celebrations in the city and would be disappointed if the event was changed."It's always a great crowd. And it's always a family night. And you know in 99.9 per cent of the time, everyone is very well behaved indeed," he said.Cr Doyle says he will approach the State Government and Melbourne Major Events for financial contributions towards the New Year's Eve event next year.

Fireworks Display Added to September 3rd Home Finale

Display location:OMAHA
City:OMAHA
State:NE
Date: September 3rd

Details: OMAHA, NE - To say thanks to their fans for a memorable 2009 season, the Omaha Royals have added a post-game fireworks show to their home finale on Thursday, September 3rd. It's Cox Communications Fan Appreciation Night, as the Royals host the Iowa Cubs in a 7:05 p.m. contest at Rosenblatt Stadium.

"2009 has been a record-breaking season for our franchise in many ways," said Martie Cordaro, Royals Vice President/General Manager. "There is no better way for our front office to say thank you to our fans than by adding a fireworks show on Cox Communications Fan Appreciation Night."

The Royals will also be celebrating the upcoming Husker football season with a Husker "Red Out." All fans are encouraged to wear red and Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers, winner of the 1972 Heisman Trophy, will be on hand to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Memorabilia autographed by Rodgers will be given away throughout the night.

It's also Walnut Ridge Family Dental Autograph Night. Fans will receive free autograph cards to get autographs from Royals players between 6:15-6:45 p.m. Fans will also enjoy Thirsty Thursday, with $1 beers and Cokes, presented by 96.1 The Brew, Action 3 News and the City Weekly.

The Royals will also be thanking their fans during their home finale by giving away a passel of prize packages to lucky fans. Also, the yearlong Hurl the Pearl promotion wraps up as one of the nightly winners of the contest, presented by Nissan of Omaha and McDonald's, will be randomly drawn as the winner of a grand prize package including two Omaha Royals 2010 season tickets. Plus, the proceeds from the contest - where fans purchase soft baseballs and try to throw them into a moving Nissan truck each home game - will be given to the Ronald McDonald House.

The second annual Media Player Awards will be presented to the Royals who were voted by local media as the Player, Pitcher and Prospect of the Year. And a Fan Favorite Player Award, selected by fans, will also be announced.

Royal Treasures, the team's gift shop, will have several one-day-only specials to close out the season.

For tickets, call the Royals ticket office at (402) 738-5100, or order and print tickets online at www.oroyals.com and at www.Etix.com.

ABOUT THE ROYALS: Omaha's Triple-A franchise has drawn over 300,000 fans to Rosenblatt Stadium again in 2009, marking the 22nd consecutive season that has happened, dating back to 1988. Readers of Omaha Magazine voted the Omaha Royals as Best Omaha Sports Team in the magazine's 17th annual Best of Omaha Awards, published in its January/February 2009 edition. In 2008, 349,376 fans attended Omaha Royals home games, making the Royals the largest-drawing sports team or event in the metro area last year. It also marked the team's largest season attendance total since 2001, while the average of 5,375 fans per game last season was the club's highest figure since 2000.

Balloon rides, fireworks display, make for successful 250th anniversary Town Fair

Display location:Krashes Field
City: Princeton
State:NJ
Date:Aug 19
Contact:PBOOTH@HOLDENLANDMARK.COM

Details: Once again Mother Nature smiled down on Krashes Field as Princeton residents gathered on Saturday for the 250th Town Fair event. Off and on throughout the day, the skies had opened up with heavy downpours. But magically, around 4 p.m. the rain stopped, the sun came out, and the fun-filled activit...

Naval Station Newport salutes summer with concert, fireworks display

Display location: Dewey Field
City:Newport
State:RI
Date:Aug 30

Details: Naval Station Newport is the place to be on Sunday, beginning at 5 p.m., when the base hosts its annual Salute to Summer concert and fireworks extravaganza on Dewey Field, featuring the Navy Band Northeast concert band.

The concert will begin with music by the 10-piece funk, soul and R&B dance band Wayz and Means, which specializes in high-energy dance music from the ’70s to today’s modern artists. Navy Band Northeast will take the stage around 7:15 p.m. and will perform patriotic and swing music as well as recognizable American classics.

Fireworks should begin shortly after 9 p.m. The concert is free and the public is invited as guests of the Naval Station’s commanding officer. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Due to increased security measures, no coolers, backpacks, glass bottles, outside food or drink or pets will be allowed.

Enter Naval Station Newport through Gate One, the main entrance near the officers’ club, beginning at 5 p.m. when music, concession sales and kids’ games at Dewey Field will begin. The Naval War College Museum will remain open that evening for visitors.

Agent Orange linked to many ailments

A new report from the Institute of Medicine finds that exposure to Agent Orange may raise the risk of heart disease and Parkinson’s disease. The findings add to a growing list of conditions that could be linked to Agent Orange exposure, including leukemia, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and birth defects in the children of the veterans exposed.

The report “Veterans and Agent Orange” is available on the National Academies Press Web site at http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12662.

U.S. Senate reviews disability system

Witnesses testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs recently agreed on the need to reform the veterans’ disability compensation system. Chairman Daniel K. Akaka, D-Hawaii, heard from representatives of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, Disabled American Veterans, and a law professor to discuss disability claims processing.

The Government Accountability Office presented previously unpublished findings (on the Web at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09910t.pdf) on claims processing from an ongoing review of disability compensation. The hearing is the latest in a series on veterans’ disability compensation.

Records of earlier hearings are available at the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Web site at http://veterans.senate.gov.

Web site features jobs for disabled veterans

With more than 3,000 job openings, a new Web portal is hoping to attract disabled veterans seeking employment. “Our current project is to spread the word that we are here,” said Diana Corso, executive director of disABLEDperson Inc., a nonprofit group aiming to reduce the unemployment rate of disabled veterans. The Web site at http://www.greatamericans.com/videos/3ccfc45cda/job-opportunities-for-disabled-american-veterans-from-disabledpersons lists jobs from employers across the United States, but not that many resumés from interested vets. More applicants are needed. The site is free for disabled veterans to post their resumés and employers to post their jobs.

•Military Order of Foreign Wars Rhode Island Commandery will have an executive and past Commanders’ meeting on Wednesday at Pelly’s 19th Hole Restaurant, 615 Callahan Rd., North Kingstown; reserve by calling William Henry at (401) 275-4205 or send e-mail to william.j.henry1@us.army.mil.

•American Legion Balfour-Cole Post 64, 170 Pleasant View Ave., Smithfield, will meet Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m.; Post 11 will meet Thursday at the Warren Senior Center in the Town Hall, at 6:30 p.m.

•Italian American War Veterans of the U.S. Department monthly meeting will occur on Wednesday at the VA Medical Center, 830 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, at 7:30 p.m. in classroom 3. New officers recently elected include: state commander, Joseph Fratus; senior vice commander, Joseph Sauro; junior vice commander, Angelo Lauro; quartermaster, John Paesano; judge advocate, Frank Ciccone II; chaplain, Ralph Paparella; day officer, Romano Del Rossi; rehabilitation service officer, Louis Alfano; U.V.C. delegate, Richard Enos; and U.V.C. alternate delegate, Oscar Tassone.

•Veterans of Foreign Wars Gatchell Post 306 hosts an Italian fundraiser dinner on at the post home, 171 Fountain St., Pawtucket, from 4 to 7 p.m., with $7 tickets sold at the door.

•43d Infantry Division Rhode Island Winged Victory Division will meet on Saturday , at 1 p.m., at the Arsenal, 176 Benefit St., Providence.

Send veterans’ meeting and news items to George W. Reilly at VeteransColumn@verizon.net or write to The Veterans Journal Column at The Providence Journal, 75 Fountain St., Providence, R.I. 02902. Veterans’ meeting and feature items can be read and posted for free at http://projothebeat.com/.

Free Fireworks display after fireworks flop

Display location:Poole Bay
City:Dorset
Country:UK
Date:Thursday 20^th August 2009 9:30pm

Details: A fireworks company has vowed to stage a free display next year after a world record attempt by setting off 110,000 fireworks was branded "disappointing".

About 175,000 people saw the Roar on the Shore spectacle, which marked the start of the four-day Bournemouth Air Festival on Thursday.

But spectators were not happy that the whole display only lasted six minutes and the record attempt six seconds.

Fantastic Fireworks has offered to stage a free display next year.

Jon Culverhouse, managing director, said: "We fulfilled our part of the contract with Bournemouth council to stage a world record attempt but it took less time than expected.

"The publicity should have said the fireworks would go off in less than 60 seconds.

"[Spectators] felt short-changed even though we did what the council asked.

"We didn't deliver on the showmanship and blotted our copybook."

'Mayhem'

The record attempt was made using rockets which explode shortly after ignition and therefore do not travel far up into the air.

The rockets were launched from a barge, which then caught fire, between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers.

Mr Culverhouse said the company was willing to stage a £15,000 "60 seconds of mayhem" display next year.

Bournemouth council will consider the idea before plans for next year are finalised.

Fantastic Fireworks is submitting evidence to the Guinness Book of World Records for last week's attempt.

The previous record of 56,645 fireworks was set in Plymouth in 2006.

Santa Monica Pier's Centennial Fireworks Display

Display location:Santa Monica Pier
City:Los Angeles
State:California
Date: Sept. 9

Details: You can win VIP tickets for the Santa Monica Pier's Centennial Fireworks Spectacular on Sept. 9 ... and the money goes to a good cause, to boot.

The winning prize includes dinner for six at the acclaimed The Lobster restaurant as well as VIP seats for the first fireworks show in Santa Monica in nearly 20 years.

The money raised goes to the Special Olympics of Southern California and as a special added bonus, Gold Medal Olympian Rafer Johnson will meet and greet diners before the fireworks show.

But wait, there's more! The prize also includes six general admission tickets to Pier Del Sol on October 4, 2009.

WannaBeatles & Fireworks Display At MMC

Display location: Martin Methodist College
City:Pulaski
State:Tennessee
Date:August 25
Show contact: 363-9815

Details: The 2009-2010 Della Clayton Lee Cultural Arts Series at Martin Methodist College kicks off this evening at 6:30pm. The highly acclaimed Nashville quartet, The WannaBeatles, headlines the annual Martin Pride Days Concert.

The outdoor concert, which is open to the public, will bring the sound and excitement of the Fab Four to the Grissom Gazebo on the Campus Green. Those attending will be treated to a fireworks show following the concert.

Cost for the Martin Pride Days Concert is $7 per person at the gate, with all students – kindergarten through college – admitted free of charge. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets for an enjoyable evening under the stars.

For more information on the Della Clayton Lee Cultural Arts Series, call 363-9815.

The Lakes fireworks display at Mayville Light

Display location:Lakeside Park
City:MAYVILLE
State:Wisconsin
Date:Sept. 6 at 10:10 p.m.

Details: MAYVILLE - The Mayville/Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce and the Chautauqua Belle are joining forces to host a special cruise on Sept. 1 to raise funds toward the cost of the Mayville Light the Lakes fireworks display to be held on Sept. 6 at 10:10 p.m. at Lakeside Park in Mayville.

The cruise will feature dinner catered by the Athenaeum Hotel of Chautauqua Institution, music and a cash bar. The Chautauqua Belle will depart from its dock at Lakeside Park in Mayville at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the cost of $50 per person and reservations can be made by calling the Chautauqua Belle at 753-2355.

A Labor Day Festival will also take place at Lakeside Park on Sept. 6 from noon until the 10:10 p.m. fireworks. The Festival will feature vendors, Rainbow the Clown, free Kids Corner Crafts, Buffalo Jills' appearance, tethered hot air balloon rides, pony rides, raffles, live music, classic car show and horse-drawn rides.

The Chautauqua Township Historical Museum will be open during the day, Chautauqua Suites Meeting & Expo Center will provide a shuttle service, running every hour between Lakeside Park, Chautauqua Institution, and Bemus Point. The festival will end with the 10 p.m. lighting of the flares around the lake and the grand finale - the fireworks display at 10:10 p.m. taking off simultaneously with other communities throughout the county.

Rides, Music, and Fireworks Display at Wappinger Community Day

Display location:Schlathaus Park
City:Dutchess County
State: New York
Date:September 13

Details: The Town of Wappinger Community Day will be held this year on Sunday, September 13 from 12 noon to 9pm at Schlathaus Park, located at the intersection of Myers Corners Road and All Angels Hill Road. The theme for this year is "Celebrating The Hudson And Our Hometown," to honor this year of The Hud...

Friday Night Post-Game Fireworks Display

Display location:CHARLESTON
City:CHARLESTON
State:SC
Date:Aug 28

Details: Thirsty Thursday, Fireworks, Backpack Giveaway Highlight Braves & GreenJackets SeriesCHARLESTON, SC – After a six-day journey away from the Lowcountry, the Charleston RiverDogs return to Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park for a pair of three-game sets that create a six-game series. The first series, featuring the Rome Braves, begins on Tuesday, Aug. 25 and ends on Thursday, Aug. 27 while the three games with the Augusta GreenJackets run from Friday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 30. All games begin at 7:05 p.m. with only Sunday’s game starting at 5:05 p.m., and baseball enthusiasts will enjoy the six-game homestand as endless fun and excitement bounds along the banks of the scenic Ashley River. Tuesday: Bi-Lo Two-For-Tuesday / Help! Someone Left the Interns in ChargeEvery Tuesday is a Bi-Lo Two-For-Tuesday as fans can double their fun upon presenting their Bi-Lo Bonus Card at the box office window the day of the game. Purchase two tickets for the price of one (valid on general admission, upper and lower reserve), and check out our two-for-one food and drink specials in the Ashley View Pub. Tuesday is also “Help! Someone Left the Interns in Charge Night” as regular staffers watch intently to see if the interns sink or float. Two-For-Tuesday / “Help! Someone Left the Interns in Charge” is presented by Bi-Lo, 98X and the CW.Wednesday, 7:05 pm: Wild Wednesday All-You-Can-Eat Special / Military Appreciation Night IIEvery Wednesday at The Joe is an All-You-Can-Eat Wild Wednesday as fans are permitted to add $20 to their ticket price and enjoy all the food and drink menu items in the Ashley View Pub all game long. This is also Military Appreciation Night II, sponsored by Force Protection Industries, Inc., so join the RiverDogs in their on-going salute to the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. Honor Flight (a service where local WW II veterans are flown from the Lowcountry to Washington DC to view the Veteran's Memorial) and the Medal of Honor Convention 2010 will be recognized during the game and will be presented with checks from Force Protection Industries, Inc. to support those two worthy causes. All-You-Can-Eat Wild Wednesday / Military Appreciation Night II are presented by Force Protection Industries, Inc. and Q104.5 FM.Thursday, 7:05 pm: Thirsty Thursday / Cougar NightEvery Thursday is a Thirsty Thursday as the RiverDogs offer beer for only $1 at the scenic Ashley View Pub. This Thursday is also Cougar Night at The Joe, so join the RiverDogs who will be tip their hat to all of the older women who are looking for that younger man and, in the process, we will recognize the College of Charleston Cougars. Thirsty Thursday / Cougar Night are presented by 95 SX.Friday, 7:05 pm: Force Protection Industries Red Shirt Friday / Friday Night Post-Game Fireworks Fridays is another Force Protection Red Shirt Friday so wear a red shirt and get a dollar off a walk-up ticket price. Fans then have the option to donate that dollar to a military family with parents fighting overseas. Concluding every Friday night game at The Joe fans will enjoy a spectacular pyrotechnic display with post-game fireworks. Force Protection Industries Red Shirt Friday / Friday Night Post-Game Fireworks are presented by Gene Reed Toyota, Force Protection Industries Inc. and 103.5 FM WEZL.Saturday, 7:05 pm: Back to School Backpack GiveawayLet the RiverDogs help your child gear up for another school year as the first 1,000 fans will receive a free RiverDogs backpack, compliments of WCIV-TV4.Sunday, 5:05 pm: Family Sunday / Largest Egg TossSunday at The Joe always means the stadium is packed with family fun, starting with free parking and kids 12-under eat free in addition to face painting and inflatables on the concourse, Reading with the RiverDogs and families playing catch in the outfield prior to the game. Plus, Charlie T. RiverDog, Chelsea and Bark, the club’s three mascots, will be available prior to the game for pictures and autographs, while Charlie and the RiverDogs players will sign autographs after the game. Also, come to The Joe early as the RiverDogs team with the Charleston Fun Club to try and set a Guinness World Record for the largest egg toss with all proceeds benefiting the MUSC Children's Hospital. Family Sunday is presented by the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission and Star 99.7 FM. For more information or to order tickets to any RiverDogs game, please call (843) 577-DOGS (3647) or log on to www.riverdogs.com.

Fireworks Show to Cap Family Reunion

Display location:MANHATTAN
City:MANHATTAN
State: Kansas
Date:September 5
Contact:at (785) 532-7606 ,(785) 532-7984.

Details: MANHATTAN, Kan. - A spectacular postgame fireworks show is sure to cap an exciting weekend of activities surrounding the September 5 K-State Family Reunion and 2009 football season opener against UMass, K-State Athletics Department officials announced Friday.The fireworks show, presented by the K-State Student Union Program Council, K-State Athletics, Commerce Bank, Briggs Auto, Varney's Bookstore and Kite's Bar and Grill, will be choreographed to music and will be similar to a show that was a huge success following a Wildcat baseball game this past spring."Our Fan Experience staff and the UPC received such positive feedback after the baseball game in April that we knew K-State fans would enjoy this as a perfect cap to the Family Reunion," Athletics Director John Currie said. "I received several fan emails this summer echoing this same sentiment, and I appreciate our Fan Experience staff and the UPC, along with our other sponsors, working hard to make this happen."With a capacity crowd expected, K-State also announced Friday that less than 6,500 tickets remain for the UMass game, including 700 GA tickets priced at $20 each.Members of the military can also receive a $20 GA ticket in Section 28 to the Family Reunion contest with proper identification. Group tickets for the UMass game are available for as low as $10 as well.Over 300 former K-State football players plus their families will be in attendance for the UMass game as the fraternity celebrates the return of Coach Snyder to the sidelines. All former players back for the reunion will be honored during pregame activities on September 5 and will wear K-State jerseys provided by GTM Sportswear."We are excited about welcoming back all of Wildcat Nation to Bill Snyder Family Stadium in two weeks," Currie added. "There are events and activities surrounding the weekend for every Wildcat fan, from the former player reunion to the postgame fireworks show and the cornerstone of the weekend, Coach Snyder's return to the sidelines."Season tickets for 2009 also remain available in good locations. The most convenient way to order tickets is online at www.k-statesports.com. Tickets may also be purchased Saturday at the west stadium ticket booth during Fan Appreciation Day or at the K-State Athletic Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum during the week. Fans wishing to personally discuss season ticket options can also call the ticket office at (785) 532-7606 or Andrew Hamor in the Ahearn Fund office at (785) 532-7984.Kickoff for Coach Snyder's first game in three seasons is set for 6:10 p.m. at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

SeaWorld fireworks display: a look behind the curtain

Display location:SeaWorld Orlando
City:Orlando
State:Florida
Date:21 Aug

Details: SeaWorld’s nightly Shamu Rocks show is drawing to a close. As the celebrated killer whale arches for his final bow, several hundred yards away ten three-inch Nashiki Kamaros - Chinese-made fireworks - are hunched in their racks and ready to explode. A walkie-talkie crackles.
“Ten seconds to fire.” Three pyrotechnicians huddle in a shack with their ears plugged, watching a load of explosives through a pane of glass. They are floating on a barge on Mission Bay waiting for the Nashiki Kamaros to take off.
“One!”
The first Nashiki rips into the night with a roar, makes a pop and sprinkles gold glitter across the sky. A prerecorded tape counts off the bursts in time to the theatrical music of Shamu’s SkySplash fireworks show, and crew member Kyle Pollitt taps a small, green light on the firing board for each shell, triggering an electrical charge. He touches 101 of these cues, launching more than 150 shells over Mission Bay in the space of five minutes.The crew, protected in the cabin, can’t see the shells bursting overhead.
“Normally, one of us is out on the boat and they get to watch,” said Debbie Ludwig, lead pyrotechnician at SeaWorld for the last ten years. Tonight, that person is licensed operator David Hurtado, who is securing a 600-foot perimeter around the barge to ensure boats are not hit by falling shells.

Clean-up typically ensues as soon as the finale set of ten shells has blown. Pollitt isn’t sure all the cues fired, so Ludwig verifies that each mortar (the case which holds the shells) is clear. Meanwhile, Hurtado and two SeaWorld employees sweep the bay for debris. In the morning, another team on foot will check the shorelines.
Ludwig, an avid scuba diver, recalls environmental protests from two summers ago.
“They were concerned about chemicals falling into the water,” she said. “So I dove under the barge to check it out. It was full of life.”
SeaWorld also sends divers to the bottom of the bay three times a year to clean up any debris from the falling shells: before, during and after the summer fireworks.
The fourth crewmember, Travis Prater, helps gather shell casings and disconnect e-matches, the wires that carry the charge from the firing board to the shells. He’s here because he knows Pollitt, just as Ludwig came into the business 17 years ago through her husband.
“It’s totally by word of mouth,” Ludwig said. “We don’t just let anybody in.”

Aspiring pyrotechnicians work with an experienced operator, who decides whether they stay on and learn the trade.
The first rule is don’t stick your head over a loaded mortar - it’s the same as staring down the barrel of a loaded gun.
While a crew of four can set up for a nightly fireworks show in an hour, the July 4 weekend needs a crew of 15 people to work 10 hours to load the shells for the 20-minute shows. The crew spends two days setting up the racks that hold the mortars, and Ludwig brought in her own personal firing system for the colossal event. The July 4 show features 10-and 12-inch shells shot off from Fiesta Island - twice the size of the largest shells used for the SkySplash show.
Ludwig said the audience’s reaction makes it worth all the work.
“You take off your earphones and listen to the crowd,” Ludwig said. “It makes it all well worth it.”

Tonight's fireworks display at Philadelphia Orchestra postponed

Display location:Philadelphia Orchestra
City:SARATOGA SPRINGS
State:New York
Date:Aug 29

Details: SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tonight's "Tchaikovsky Spectacular" program by The Philadelphia Orchestra will go on as scheduled at 8 o'clock. However, fireworks planned for the performance have been postponed until Saturday night — the orchestra's last performance during their 2009 summer season at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center — due to wet weather this afternoon.
The live military encampment and live cannons after the "1812 Overture" are still part of the performance.
Visit the SPAC Web site at spac.org for more information about tonight's performance.

Fireworks display set for tonight near Yankton

Display location:Yankton
City:Yankton
State:South Dakota
Date:Aug 30.

Details: CROFTON, Neb. -- Visitors to Riverboat Days in Yankton, S.D., are invited to the Corps of Discovery Welcome Center for free popcorn and a great view of the fireworks display.Complimentary coffee and iced tea will also be available from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. at the welcome center, located on a bluff two miles south of Yankton along U.S. Highway 81.The welcome center will provide free popcorn and iced tea from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in conjunction with Riverboat Days.

Fireworks Display, $1 tickets as Nationals go all out to welcome No. 1 pick Stephen Strasburg

Display location:Nationals Park
City:WASHINGTON
State:WASHINGTON
Date:Aug 21

Details: WASHINGTON (AP) — Stephen Strasburg watched the fireworks explode over Nationals Park during his over-the-top welcome to the nation's capital. Amid the hoopla, he was asked what will happen when he pitches his first shutout at the stadium.His answer: "Maybe a flyby of Air Force One or something like that."The Nationals keep saying Strasburg isn't meant to be the savior of the franchise, but they certainly gave him that treatment on Friday. Four days after awarding him a record-breaking contract for a draft pick, the team set up a raised platform near third base for an on-field news conference attended by anyone willing to show up five hours early for the evening's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.A few hundred fans took the bait, no doubt motivated by the offer of $1 tickets. Maybe there would have been more if it weren't for the stifling August weather that produced a heat index of 100 degrees while Strasburg was on the stage, his dark trousers hardly the most comfortable outfit choice for the occasion."This is amazing. To play at San Diego State, where we didn't really get many fans until this year — this is the amount of fans that we would get at one of our Friday night games," Strasburg said.Strasburg was presented a No. 37 Nationals jersey by third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, but he won't be wearing it in a game anytime soon. Because he's essentially been idle since the end of the college season in the spring, the club will send him to the Florida to build up his arm over the next four or five weeks. He'll then pitch in the Florida Instructional League and the Arizona Fall League, with his major league debut expected next year."The big things is not to rush things," Strasburg said. "It's their decision, and I understand it completely."The No. 1 overall draft pick agreed Monday night to a contract that guarantees him $15.1 million over four years. It was a welcome bit of news for a team on pace for a second consecutive 100-loss season; another boost came Wednesday night with the news that Mike Rizzo had been given the general manager job after filling the role on an interim basis for most of the year.

Fireworks Display explode over Homecoming

Display location:PARKERSBURG
City:PARKERSBURG
State:West Virginia
Date: Aug 22

Details: PARKERSBURG - Despite skies that threatened rain Saturday the first full day of the 2009 Parkersburg Homecoming got off to a great start.
The Homecoming saw thousands of people visit downtown Parkersburg throughout the day, from the early morning excitement of the News and Sentinel Half Marathon to Saturday night's annual Homecoming Fireworks show.
The annual half marathon drew hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators as it traveled throughout Parkersburg and south Parkersburg for 13.1 miles during the morning hours.
Saturday's next big activity was the annual Parkersburg Homecoming Parade as more than 90 units traveled the length of Market Street in downtown Parkersburg.
Hundreds of people lined Market Street Saturday to see the parade. From marching bands to clowns, to festival royalty and local officials, from karate groups to gymnastics and more, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Randall Roberts, Parkersburg Homecoming president, said turnout for the 2009 edition has been encouraging.
"We expect 20,000 to 30,000 to come down here over the course of the homecoming," he said. "We had a really good turnout for the News and Sentinel Half Marathon and the parade."
Following the parade, commercial and non-commercial units were recognized with awards. In the commercial category, first place went to Gymniks, second place was Imagination Station Child Care Inc. and third was Little Caesars. The non-commercial winners were: first, Junior League of Parkersburg; second, Tri-C Bullets Cheerleaders; and third, Trinity Episcopal Church.
Roberts said the encouraging thing was the number of vendors who wanted to be part of the festival this year.
"Last year we had 13 food vendors and this year we have 22, we really didn't expect that many," he said. "In the arts and crafts area we have some commercial vendors, and overall we have 15 more than last year. For the first time in many years we had to place some of them on Second Street."
Also, he added the financial picture of the festival is looking very good.
"We have been able to pay off the $30,000 debt we had from last year and we have already paid for a number of things for this year," he said. "It comes down to the Rubber Ducky race. Depending on how many we sell we will be able to pay off everything for this year and maybe have some left over."
Cheryl Eaton of Lubeck came out to see family who were in the parade as well as entertain some guests.
"My friends are from out of town who use to live here and they are here to see the parade," she said. "My daughter and father-in-law are also in the parade.
"It is a perfect day for a parade, too. It is nice, cool and beautiful."
Tammie Goff of Washington, W.Va., was spending some time with family.
"My granddaughter, Madeline, is enjoying the parade," she said. "She saw the Christmas parade, but she is really enjoying this one. The music is the best thing for her. She is really enjoying that.
"I think the parade is awesome and great."
Many who were at the festival on Saturday said they were there mainly waiting for the night's entertainment and the fireworks.
"It's been very nice," said Tara Downer of Parkersburg. "We were here for the pretty baby contest. We enjoyed the Justin Moore show last night."
Bill Downer agreed that Justin Moore's show was a good time.
Pat Flanagan of Parkersburg said he was taking advantage of being able to reserve a place to watch tonight's concert.
"I've had my seat for .38 Special ready since last night," he said.
Flanagan said he and his daughter, Sara, rarely miss the homecoming.
"We came down here for the parade and we've spent the rest of the day just looking at what they have to offer," he said. "It would have been nice if Point Park were ready, we like to take our boat and spend the day on the water."
Sara Flanagan said she wasn't there for any particular thing, she just enjoys seeing all the attractions downtown.
Jessica Smith of Boaz was there with her family.
"We think it's great," she said. "We enjoyed the petting zoo."
For Linda McCumbers coming to the homecoming was a chance to eat one of her favorite foods.
"I'm here for Uncle Dan's Homemade Ice Cream, I've been following him all over," she said. "It's also a good opportunity to have some fun and see a lot of old friends."
As a followup to Saturday's half marathon, one of today's popular events is aimed at the youngest generation, the children. The Tiny Tot Trot and the Junior Races will begin at 1 p.m. today at Stadium Field behind Parkersburg High School.
The event is sponsored by The Parkersburg News and Sentinel and organized by the River City Runners and Walkers Club. Registration begins at 11 a.m. today and the registration fee is $5.
First up will be the Tiny Tot Trot at 1 p.m. It will include 10 races for children ranging from 1 to 5 years old. Children are divided by age and gender so that every one is competing on an equal playing field. The top two finishers in each race receive a trophy while every competitor gets a medal. Every child wears No. 1.
The Trot will be followed by the Junior Races for boys and girls ages 6 through 11. Competitors are divided by age and gender. The races are of varying length, with the older children running the furthest.

The fireworks display spectacular over Santa Monica Bay

Display location:Santa Monica Bay
City:SANTA MONICA
State:Calif.
Date:September 9

Details: SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Santa Monica Pier and The Lobster restaurant launched an eBay auction today to benefit Special Olympics Southern California. In honor of the Santa Monica Pier’s Centennial Celebration on September 9, 2009, the ten-day auction features a dinner for six at The Lobster restaurant with exclusive VIP viewing of the centennial fireworks show. The Lobster’s premier location at the top of the Santa Monica Pier provides an ideal view for the first fireworks spectacular over Santa Monica Bay in nearly 20 years.
The charity auction includes dinner for six at The Lobster before the fireworks show and an exclusive VIP viewing area so that the auction winner and guests can enjoy the historic landmark centennial event from one of the best views in Santa Monica.
As part of the once-in-a-lifetime package, Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist Rafer Johnson, will meet and greet the auction winner to personally express gratitude for the charitable contribution to Special Olympics Southern California. Also included are six general admission tickets to the 13th annual Pier del Sol event on October 4, 2009, which features a day of free rides at Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Park, arcade tickets and lunch. The Los Angeles Lakers will be honored at Pier del Sol, represented by Lakers legends, such as James Worthy. The “Birthday Bash” will also include Special Olympics athletes and celebrities on the Pier to celebrate 40 years of the transformative work of Special Olympics Southern California.
“Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s visionary movement, Special Olympics, has reached an important milestone in Southern California this year with its 40th anniversary celebration. It is meaningful that we share this significant observance with the Santa Monica Pier as it celebrates its 100th anniversary,” said Bill Shumard, President/CEO for Special Olympics Southern California. “The Pier’s centennial auction is a wonderful contribution to our ongoing efforts to change lives through the power of sport.”
Ben Franz-Knight, executive director of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation, said regarding the auction, “The Santa Monica Pier’s Centennial is a time to celebrate the Pier’s own history, but it is also important to recognize other Southern California leaders who are reaching milestones. As Special Olympics reaches its 40th year we want to highlight the crucial work that they have done for the community and nation as a whole.”
The charity auction will be live on eBay until 8/30/09 when the winner will be announced.
About the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation
The Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation (SMPRC), established in 1983, is a non-profit, public benefit corporation made up of business and community leaders who represent the full range of community interests. It was created by the Santa Monica City Council to preserve and enhance the pleasure pier experience for people of all ages and for future generations and is funded by the City of Santa Monica. For more information, visit, http://www.santamonicapier.org.
About Special Olympics Southern California
In 2009, Special Olympics Southern California celebrates 40 years of changing lives through the power of sport. Special Olympics offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community. For more information about how to compete, volunteer, coach or donate to Special Olympics Southern California, visit http://www.sosc.org.

Stone Crabs Start Homestand with Myron Noodleman, Fireworks Display

Display location:Charlotte Sports Park.
City:PORT CHARLOTTE
State: Fla.
Date: August 22, at 7:05 ; Aug 28.

Details: PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - While the Charlotte Stone Crabs fight for a playoff spot in their Inaugural Season, their fans can enjoy a host of topflight promotional nights during the team's upcoming, six-game homestand that starts on Friday, August 21, at Charlotte Sports Park.
The Stone Crabs will face off against the I-75 division rival Fort Myers Miracle (Minnesota Twins) and the Jupiter Hammerheads (Florida Marlins) during the seven-day, six-game at home that lasts through Thursday, August 27.
Myron Noodleman, the Clown Prince of Baseball, will entertain the crowd during Friday's game and a dazzling fireworks display will fill the sky immediately after Saturday's game against the Miracle. The rest of the homestand features Seniors Eat Free Tuesday, Chick-fil-A Winning Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday presented by The Ice House Pub with a variety of cost-saving food and drink specials throughout the week.
Tickets are still available for all games by calling 941-206-HITS or visiting stonecrabsbaseball.com.
The Stone Crabs open a three-game series against Fort Myers on Friday, August 21, with the Myron Noodleman appearance. Noodleman is famous for his "nerdy" appearance and his comedy routines throughout the game that include dancing with umpires and players. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and gates open at 6:00 p.m.
The game on Saturday, August 22, also starts at 7:05 p.m. and features a dazzling fireworks display immediately after the game. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
The teams play the series finale on Sunday, August 23, at 5:35 p.m. with gates opening at 4:30 p.m.
After an off-day on Monday, the Stone Crabs will start a three-game series against the Jupiter Hammerheads on Tuesday, August 25, featuring a pair of wallet-friendly promotions for fans. Seniors Eat Free Tuesday gives fans 55 and older a voucher for a free hot dog, bag of chips, and a drink with the purchase of a game ticket, and Kraft Single's Tuesday Tickets offers buy one, get one free tickets to fans who bring a Kraft Singles wrapper to the box office. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and gates open at 6:00 p.m.
The series continues on Wednesday, August 26, at 7:05 p.m. with Chick-fil-A Winning Wednesday. If the Stone Crabs win, everyone in attendance will receive a coupon for a free item at Chick-fil-A. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
The homestand concludes on Thursday, August 27, with Thirsty Thursday presented by The Ice House Pub. Drink specials include $1 domestic drafts and $2 domestic bottles at the concession stands through the fifth inning. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. with first pitch at 7:05 p.m.
Tickets are still available for all games and start at just $5 for advance purchases. To purchase tickets, visit the Charlotte Sports Park box office, ticketmaster.com or call 941-206-HITS. For more information on upcoming games, please go to www.stonecrabsbaseball.com.

Martin Plans Fireworks Show

Display location:Campus Green
City:Martin
State:MO
Date:August 25th

Details: Dr. Ted Brown, who initiated the strategic planning process that led to the Martin 2010 plan, said that hitting that once-unimaginable goal of 1,000 students, is certainly cause for celebration.“Anyone who is even vaguely familiar with the Martin 2010 plan recognizes that this is a watershed moment for Martin Methodist College,” Brown said. “The 1,000-student mark provides an important critical mass – a firm foundation – for our work, but far from being a final destination it is actually a benchmark along the way. In a very real sense, this accomplishment puts us on the launch pad.”The enrollment of 1,000 students will also be celebrated on Tuesday night, August 25th, with a fireworks display following the Martin Pride Days Concert on the Campus Green featuring The WannaBeatles, a quartet from Nashville that pays tribute to the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo, four decades after their legendary British invasion of the 1960s. The concert and fireworks will be open to the public.

Fireworks display at Parkersburg Homecoming

Display location:Ohio River
City:Parkersburg
State:WV
Date:Aug 22, at 10pm

Details: WTAP and FOX Parkersburg are gearing up for a first-ever experiment in live, local television during the Parkersburg Homecoming.
FOX Parkersburg will carry the fireworks display over the Ohio River, this Saturday night, starting at 10pm in HIGH DEFINITION.
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This will be the first time any local event has ever been broadcast live in High Definition.
Viewers without HD TV sets will still be able to watch the fireworks live, and without commercial interruption, starting Saturday night at 10pm on cable channel 14 or free, over-the-air on digital channel 15.2.
Folks with HDTVs can see the fireworks in HD if they tune to digital channel 15.2 or are subscribers to Suddenlink's or CAS Cable's High Definition tiers.
So whether or not you have a High Def TV, you can see the Parkersburg Homecoming fireworks live on FOX Parkersburg, cable channel 14 Saturday night at 10pm. High Def viewers: get ready for an extra treat!

Fireworks Display to light up over Cedar Point

Display location:Cedar Point
City:Cedar Point
State:Ohio
Date:Aug 22 ,10 p.m

Details: Cedar Point has announced it will provide a “massive fireworks display” at 10 p.m. Saturday.
The fireworks show will rival Cedar Point’s July 4 show, amusement park officials said.
Details on the show and other Cedar Point special offers for this weekend are available here.

Concert, Fireworks Display Mark Town's 375th Birthday

Display location:Cove Park.
City:WETHERSFIELD
State:Connecticut
Date:Aug 22. 8:45 p.m
Show contact:860-721-2890.

Details: WETHERSFIELD - — As part of the town's ongoing celebration of its 375th anniversary, a concert and fireworks show will be held beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Cove Park.The concert will feature the Strictly Swing Big Band, consisting of 18 musicians. The band has five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets, percussion, bass, keyboard, guitar and a singer. The fireworks display will begin at 8:45 p.m. Food, refreshments and anniversary T-shirts will be available for purchase.Cove Park is on State Street and is adjacent to the state Department of Motor Vehicles at 60 State Street. Parking will be available at the DMV parking lot. Shuttle parking also is available at Putnam Park Office Building, 100 Great Meadow Road. Shuttle parking will begin at 6 p.m. and buses will run every 15 minutes.For more information call the parks and recreation department at 860-721-2890.

Fireworks Display at 2009 Great Darke County Fair

Display location:GREENVILLE
City:GREENVILLE
State:NC
Date:Aug 26.

Details:GREENVILLE — If the weather cooperates, Daryl Riffle expects more than 200,000 people to come through the gates during the nine-day run of the 2009 Great Darke County Fair.
As fair manager, Riffle said the groundwork has been laid for another big year with about 400 vendors and a large display of farm equipment such as combines and tractors. “We are working very hard to keep it an agricultural fair,” he said.
The fair opens at 8 a.m. today, Aug. 21.
“We are fortunate we have a lot of people who love our fair,” Riffle said.
Those attending 17 fair grandstand events, beginning with a cheerleading competition today, will see a $400,000 upgrade including new flooring and aluminum seats with backs. Among other grandstand events will be a performance Sunday by the band Styx with tickets $25 for track seating and $23 for grandstand and bleachers.
Returning again this year will be the fireworks show following harness racing Wednesday night. Once a fair tradition, the fireworks show was reintroduced during the 150th fair anniversary in 2006.
It has continued each year since due to good reviews.
“We have rekindled that fire. It (a fireworks show) is rather unique at a fair,” Riffle said.
The fairgrounds gates open at 8 a.m. daily with vendors opening at 10 and the midway rides by Kissel Brothers at 11 a.m. daily.

Fireworks Display Are On For This Weekend In Ellis Boat Harbor

Display location:Ellis Boat Harbor
City:CEDAR RAPIDS
State: Lowa
Date:Aug 22

Details: CEDAR RAPIDS - There will be fireworks this Saturday in the Ellis Boat Harbor. Didn't know? Don't worry, you're not alone.It's the middle of August, and the Ellis Boat Harbor is dead. In fact, the only life here today came from the few dozen geese.This weekend, though, that will change."We're the ones that do the fireworks on the 3rd of July. It's always a big show. This will be that same show," said Jim Kaas, organizer of the Cedar River Boat Club's Venetian Nights event.There were no fireworks on July 3rd. That's because the city denied the permit. At the time, the city said the area wasn't safe enough for the big crowds the group usually gets. Sometimes those crowds swell to 40,000 people, according to the city."We're hoping it's a smaller event, if it's a smaller event and can be self contained, then they don't need the police there," said SGT Cristy Hamblin with the Cedar Rapids Police Department.Hamblin said if the crowds get too big, then parking becomes a problem, and safety concerns come in with all the flood damaged properties still sitting in ruins. Plus, Hamblin said they don't have enough officers to staff a huge event right now She said that's because some are either in training or busy doing special flood patrols.To keep the size down, the city asked the organizers to not advertise, so if you haven't heard about the event, don't feel out of the loop."We had asked if they could not advertise as much as in the past, so that it can be maintained by themselves, not policed by the police department," said Hamblin.Instead, Kaas and the club are spreading details by word of mouth, and Facebook."We'd love to have a lot of people show up, but the Police Department doesn't want us to have 40,000 show up," said Kaas.Before the fireworks on Saturday, the boat club is hosting Venetian Night, which includes a lighted boat parade. That starts at 8:00 p.m. the fireworks start at 8:45 p.m.

Freebies, fireworks display mark last Grizzlies homestand

Display location:Fresno
City:Fresno
State:CA
Date:Aug. 25

Details: The Fresno Grizzlies last four-game homestand, kicking off Aug. 22, will feature a number of promotions to wind down the season.
On Aug. 22, the first 2,500 fans will receive a reusable canvas Grizzlies grocery bag courtesy of the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Fans are encouraged to arrive early when gates open at 6:05 p.m.
The Aug. 23 game will feature Save Mart Sunday, in which all kids age 12-and-under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, bag of chips and a soda.
Monday Madness on Aug. 24 will feature a $22 package for two field level reserve tickets, two hot dogs, two sodas, two Wild Water Adventure Park passes and two rounds of mini-golf at Blackbeard's.
The last home game on Aug. 25 will feature random drawings for prizes as well as a fireworks display at the end of the game.
For more information, visit FresnoGrizzlies.com

Fireworks display and flowers

Display location:Butchart Gardens
City:Victoria
State:British Columbia
Date:September 5th

Details:If the 4th of July fireworks, or the 3rd of July fireworks in Poulsbo, leave you wishing for more head up for a Saturday summer evening to Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia. Through September 5th of this year your admission to the gardens includes a fireworks show in the evening.
The fireworks show is an amazing display of ground level pyrotechnics and aerial fireworks set to music. The creativity and different story themes, such as the cat chasing the mice and the waterfall and boat scene, will enchant anyone who stays for the evening show.
Since the show is so popular the best way to get a great seat on the lawn is to arrive in the afternoon and set up your blanket. The gardens provide sand bags so your blanket will stay put while you wander through the gardens. Food is allowed to be brought in so a picnic on the lawn can be the perfect way to wait for evening to arrive. Many of the gardens are lit for the evening so after strolling the gardens during the day be sure to check them out again under the lights.
Since so many people attend the fireworks show it can take quite a bit of time to exit the park in the evening. Instead come to the gardens by boat and skip the long lines to the parking lot. The gardens have a large dinghy dock to park your dinghy at while visiting. Just above the dinghy dock is an admission gate where you can pay to enter the gardens.
Nearby Tod Inlet is an excellent place to anchor close by to the gardens. The Inlet is quite large and can accommodate many boats. There are 4 mooring buoys just outside the gardens but these fill up quickly. Boaters will have better luck anchoring in Tod Inlet. The Inlet is narrow at the entrance and boaters should stay closer to the right side upon entering to avoid a rock on the left hand side.
Many boats choose to place a stern line as well in addition to their anchor to avoid swinging in the narrow part. The best place to anchor is further in so come in a ways and it opens up. There are signs in several places restricting anchoring due to eelgrass so be sure to anchor outside of these areas.
Towards the end of the Inlet is a dinghy dock where boats can go ashore and hike some of the trails in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park. Tod Inlet is one of the inlets that offers entry into this park which has more than 25 kilometers of hiking trails. The views in the Inlet are incredible and the water is remarkably warm in comparison to the Puget Sound. A swim will feel welcome during a warm summer day.
Anchoring in Tod Inlet and seeing the flowers and fireworks in Butchart Garden will remind any boat owner just why boat ownership is such an excellent idea. Just think of how much time you saved by taking your boat to Tod Inlet instead of driving like those unfortunate souls who will be stuck in traffic. Instead you will already be back on your boat after a short dinghy ride enjoying another night on the water and wondering when you can plan your next trip back to see the fireworks again.

Fireworks display will cap stadium’s dedication

Display location:Collin Field
City:Omaha
State: Nebraska
Date:Aug 23
Contact:444-1057, christopher.burbach@owh.com

Details: Omaha South High School Principal Cara Riggs is hoping for a big turnout Sunday night for the dedication of the school’s long-awaited new stadium at 23rd and L Streets.
“We’re planning a beautiful ceremony,” Riggs said.
The dedication, free and open to the public, is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. at Collin Field, familiarly known to generations of south Omahans as “The Hole.”
It has served for generations as an alternately rocky or mucky practice field while Packer football and soccer teams traveled to borrowed fields for their “home” games.
Now “The Hole” will feature a soccer and football stadium that will seat more than 3,000 people. It has an artificial turf field, lights, locker rooms, concession stands and a press box, among other amenities.
Holland Basham Architects designed the stadium. The Kiewit Building Group built it. The nonprofit Heritage Services oversaw development, including helping to raise private money.
Donors put up $6.5 million of the $8.7 million cost. The remaining $2.2 million came from the Omaha Public Schools.
On Sunday, the South High marching band will perform at the dedication. Flags will be flown to represent the ethnic diversity of south Omaha. Once-and-future Packer sports greats — from such football heroes as Dave Rimington and Marlin Briscoe to current members of South athletic squads — will be part of the program. So will alumni, donors and student organizations.
Plans call for the event to culminate in fireworks.
“I hope it will be a big community event,” Riggs said. “People have been waiting a long time for this to happen.”
Contact the writer:
444-1057, christopher.burbach@owh.com

Fireworks Display on, off stage at ETPFest

Display location: Jamsil Olympic Stadium
City:Soul
Country: Korean
Date:Aug 22

Details: Seo Taiji performs at ETPFest 2009It ended with fireworks exploding one after another, lighting up the humid summer night sky with a brilliant array of colors.It was a fitting close to one of the most celebrated rock festivals in Korea, the 10-hour, high-energy event that was ETPFest 2009, held at Jamsil Olympic Stadium on Saturday. This year’s lineup was as good as last year’s, with major bands including Keane, Limp Bizkit and Nine Inch Nails (NIN) rocking the house. Korean bands like Fade, Gumx, Pia and Boom Boom Satellites kicked it all off, while headliner Seo Taiji closed out the extravaganza at night.The summer heat was suffocating throughout the day. Exhausted and sweaty, many rock fans sat in the shade or cooled off under mists of water sprayed in designated areas around the stadium.
But when the bands walked out, the heat became secondary to the hordes of fans that rushed forward and started jumping around wildly. Immersed in this frenzied crowd, one could the smell the strong scent of salty sweat permeating the air. The British band Keane enchanted the crowd - especially the females, whose eyes were fixed on the rockers - with its soft scores. Music fans went nuts when Limp Bizkit took the stage with all of its original members, including guitarist Wes Borland, who left the band in 2001. Frontman Fred Durst not only came down into the audience, he also brought a few fans up on stage. Nine Inch Nails followed with its dark and mysterious songs, highlighted by frontman Trent Reznor, who was deeply entranced in his music. Adding to the scene, fans lit up the sky with their mobile phones when night fell. Seo Taiji appeared on stage in a spacecraft that slowly descended from above, whipping the crowd up into a frenzy. Most of Seo’s fans are now verging on middle age. But they danced and sang along just as they always have since 1993, when he first started to draw legions of followers. It was a particularly meaningful concert for the more than 20,000 Seo Taiji worshipers crowding the festival grounds. The Korean singer has said he will not hold any more shows for the time being, as he is going to work on his ninth album. He ended the night with one of his favorite songs, “Live Wire.” Mirroring the lyrics, 20,000 or so rock lovers crossed the border of insanity to unleash the energy of youth.

Fireworks Display rescheduled for Sept. 3

Display location:Ford Field Park.
City:DEARBORN
State:Michigan
Date:Sept. 3
Show contact:(313) 943-2285

Details: DEARBORN - After being rained out the final night of Dearborn's Homecoming festival, an evening concert and spectacular fireworks have been rescheduled to Sept. 3 at Ford Field Park.
The fireworks display will begin about 9 p.m., after a high energy concert by local favorite Fifty Amp Fuse, which begins at 7:30 p.m.
"This is a bonus opportunity to recapture some of the great community spirit and excitement generated by Homecoming," said Mayor Jack O'Reilly.
Seats will be set up in front of the stage for the concert. But people are also invited to bring their own chairs and blankets to the park, and to bring their own coolers and snacks.
Free parking is available in the Ford Field parking lot and on the surrounding public streets. Parking fees apply in the nearby business district.
Note: for this event, no provisions are being made for reserving spaces in the park for the concert or the fireworks. Plenty of space should be available for all to enjoy the show.
For more information, call the Department of Public Information at (313) 943-2285.

fireworks display help make Regatta a big splash

Display location:Astoria
City:Astoria
State:Oregon
Date:Aug 22 .

Details: The 115th anual Astoria Regatta is over. The king is dead, long live the king. Time to begin planning for next year.The five-day festival finished up on Sunday with a bluegrass concert by Small Towne at the Clatsop Community College Performing Arts Center."This is a wonderful community," said U.S. Rep. David Wu, who was present at the Memorial Ceremony at Maritime Park on Friday. "I'm very glad I've had the opportunity to join in on different parts of the Regatta weekend."Wu - along with other officials, including Capt. Douglas E. Kaup, commanding officer of Coast Guard Group/Air Station Astoria - placed flowers at the edge of the Columbia River to honor the men and women in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard and the Columbia River Bar Pilots."This is the one thing worth being admiral for," said 2009 Regatta Admiral Paul Mitchell after the ceremony.It was a busy week for Regatta dignitaries and organizers, but all the work paid off. Crowds lined up for the Lektro Grand Land Parade downtown Saturday. Kids scrambled for candy; bagpipe and band music filled the air. Scattered crowds flocked to the river to watch the Coast Guard search-and-rescue demonstrations on Saturday, and many more wandered the river path for the fireworks display later that night."I thought that it went very smoothly," said Charlene Larsen, first administrator for the Regatta Association. "The guests who came from out-of-town festivals seemed to have a really good time."Anyone who attended events during the week is encouraged to send the Regatta Association comments and suggestions. The association will review the entire festival in two weeks."We sit down and critique each event and figure out what worked and what didn't work and how we could improve everything," said Larsen.Comments can be mailed to P.O. Box 24, Astoria, OR 97103

Fireworks Display Highlight Cedar Point's Summer Blast on August 21-23

Display location: Cedar Point
City:SANDUSKY
State:Ohio
Date:Aug. 22 At 10 p.m
Show contact:419.627.2350.
Display company:Zambelli Internationale, Inc.

Details: SANDUSKY, Ohio, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Saturday night fireworks and two extra hours of thrills and fun will highlight Cedar Point's Summer Blast Weekend, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 21-23. The weekend will also feature special deals available at cedarpoint.com, great food options and a special scavenger hunt with a home theater system from hhgregg as the grand prize.
At 10 p.m. on Saturday night, a massive fireworks display that will rival July 4th at Cedar Point will light up the sky with lights and colors. The excitement will continue afterward when the park remains open until midnight. That leaves nearly two extra hours to enjoy all of the park's rides and attractions after the fireworks display has ended. Beginning at 5 p.m., the park's Starlight Admission is available for only $29.99, seven hours of fun at a great price!
The fireworks will be presented by Zambelli Internationale, Inc., one of the oldest and largest fireworks display companies in the United States, and the same company that presents Cedar Point's annual fireworks display on the Fourth of July. The program will be complemented with a specially made soundtrack that will accompany the fireworks. This is the first time the park has scheduled a fireworks display in August.
On Saturday and Sunday, guests who can identify several park images will have a chance to win a 50-inch Samsung HDTV and a Samsung 1000-watt home theater system from hhgregg. Winners will be drawn from all correct entries. Second prize is a Magellan Roadmate 1200 GPS System, also from hhgregg. (Rules and entry forms can be obtained at Cedar Point and hhgregg stores in the Cleveland and Columbus areas.)
To make it even more fun, special money-saving deals are available online at cedarpoint.com Packages with tickets, pre-paid Pizza Hut meals and discounted game vouchers are also available for two or four guests. For a weekend getaway, there's even a package that includes an overnight stay at Breakers Express.
As a special treat, a Johnsonville Bratwurst meal that includes a brat, a soda and a bag of potato chips will be available Friday through Sunday, Aug. 21-23, for only $6 including tax.
For information about this weekend's activities, please visit cedarpoint.com or call Cedar Point's General Information Line at 419.627.2350.

20th annual Jaffrey festival of fireworks display

Display location:Jaffrey
City:Jaffrey
State:NH
Date:August 15th
Display company:Atlas Advanced Pyrotechics

Details:Atlas Advanced Pyrotechics, located in the neighboring town of Jaffrey has provides over 700 indoor and outdoor firework displays annually. Atlas has received domestic and international awards and accolades. For the last 20 years on the third saturday of August, Atlas has produced a "Festival of Fireworks" at the Silver Ranch Jaffrey Airport. The Jaffrey Airport with it's 3000 foot runway can accommodate the 30,000 participants that flock to this annual event. A large sandpit that flanks the runway can accommodate the vast arrays of mortal tubes and extensive wiring that is required to produce the show.
Atlas recreates the same shows that it uses for the larger venues like Boston and Washington DC, so this is not an event to be missed by the local folks. August 15th 2009 marked the 20th anniversary of the Festival of Fireworks and the show consisted of the best highlights from previous shows and competitions. I have some particular favorites. A production of J. Geil's Band's "Whammer Jammer" featured mortar stars being fired in perfect sync with the harmonica riffs. During the recording of "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis, the refrain "Goodness gracious, great balls of fire" was marked with what I believe was combination of gunpowder and gasoline that produced a huge fireball which roiled into a perfect mushroom cloud. The "killer" would be proud! Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Paul McCartney's "Live and Let Die", A spirited version of "The Lord of the Dance" were also wonderful. The grand finale filled the sky and the final volley produced a continous sound in which you could actually feel the heat and concussion. It was an outstanding event.

Coosa Country Club to celebrate centennial with fireworks show

Display location:Coosa Country
City:Rome
State:GA
Date: Aug 15, 9 to 9:15 p.m

Details: Coosa Country Club is marking its 100th anniversary celebrations Saturday night with a fireworks display all of downtown Rome can expect to enjoy. Vivian Richmeier, the director of membership and marketing, said the same company that produces the fireworks show for the City of Rome for the fourth of July will be shooting off fireworks from the golf course’s ninth hole. “We have a full day of festivities for our members,” she said. “In the evening we have a band, barbecue and the fireworks will start around 9 to 9:15 p.m.”The 15 to 20 minute show will be visible from downtown Rome for the general public. Celebration events and viewing of fireworks from the club premesis, however, are limited to members only.But there a plenty of good vantage points across the river downtown from which to enjoy the fireworks presentation.Coosa Country Club was originally formed in 1909. The club will continue celebrations throughout the coming year with a past champions dinner in November, a past presidents dinner on January and a large gala in March 2010.Richmeier added the past club champions dinner will become an annual event, and this November will mark the inaugural celebration.

Scoop's B-Day, Football, Fireworks Display Highlight August 21 Home Stand

Display location:Pensacola
City:Pensacola
State:FL
Date:August 21st&22nd
Show contact:(850) 934-8444
Event website:www.pensacolapelicans.com.

Details:Pensacola, FL - The Pensacola Pelicans return home on Friday August 21 for a three-game weekend home series. Lots of exciting promotions are planned for the weekend, as the Pelicans push to clinch a spot in the playoffs. The Pelicans will take on the El Paso Diablos. Pelicans baseball is affordable family fun with tickets starting at just $7 each.
The Pelicans are currently in first place of the South Division in the American Association. With seven home games left in the regular season, fans are encouraged to come out and support their home town team.
Every person that buys a ticket to the following games will receive a FREE ticket to the final regular season game on Sunday, August 30. Purchase tickets online, at the box office or in the Pelicans office for games on August 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, or 29 to get your free ticket.
Friday, August 21st - Scoop's Birthday - The Pelicans are having a costume birthday party for the mascot, Scoop. Many of Scoop's mascot friends will be in attendance. Fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite character. There will also be cake for the fans in attendance, courtesy of The Cake Shop on 9 Mile Road. Game time is at 6:35 p.m.
Saturday, August 22nd - College Football Night and Post Game Fireworks - Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite team's colors as we get ready to kick off football season. Also, stick around after the game for a spectacular fireworks display over left field. Game time is at 6:05 p.m.
Sunday, August 23rd - Kids Club Sunday - All Pelicans Kids Club members get into the game for free with their official 2009 Kids Club t-shirt. Membership is only $10.
For more information on any of these events, to purchase tickets or book a party; call the Pelicans office at (850) 934-8444 or visit www.pensacolapelicans.com.

Final summer fireworks show at NRH2O tonight

Display location:NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
City:NRH{-2}O Family Water Park
State:TX
Date:Aug 14
Show contact:817-427-6500
Event website:www.nrh2o.com

Details: NORTH RICHLAND HILLS — NRH{-2}O Family Water Park is shooting off the last of its summer fireworks this evening as the school break rapidly draws to a close.
The water park, celebrating its 15th year, hosted a fireworks show on the third Saturday of every month this summer. Today, at dusk, is the last show.
"We usually get a good turnout," said Stephen Hoerig, who works at the park. "It’s a good show."
Those who show up at NRH{-2}O after 5 p.m. have to pay only half the admission price, provided they’ve printed out a coupon from the park’s Web site. The fireworks can be viewed for free from Walker’s Creek Park and Tarrant County College Northeast Campus.
NRH{-2}O is at 9001 Boulevard 26 in North Richland Hills. For more information, call 817-427-6500 or go to www.nrh2o.com

Join the Bluefish at Harbor Yard for Fireworks Display

Display location:Bridgeport
City:Bridgeport
State:CT
Date:August 15

Details: Bridgeport, CT - August 15, 2009) - The Bluefish play the second game of their three-game series against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs tonight at 6:05 p.m. The Ballpark at Harbor Yard gates open at 5:05 p.m. and all fans in attendance will be treated to a Fireworks Extravaganza following the contest.
Bridgeport looks to redeem themselves after a tough extra-inning defeat last night against Southern Maryland. Bluefish starter Alex Francisco will make his first appearance this season for Bridgeport. All fans can enjoy the action as the Bluefish look to light up the opposition before they light up the skies.

Firefighter in charge of fair's colorful fireworks displays

Display location: Ventura County Fair
City:Ventura
State:CA
Date:Aug17 to Aug 23 10 p.m

Details: Being a pyrotechnician and a firefighter might seem like a contradiction, but Joe Keay was attracted to both for one big reason — danger.

And fire.

“Growing up, I had an infatuation with fire and fireworks. They are just about one and the same,” Keay said.

Keay, 36, is the only pyrotechnician for the Ventura County Fair and has overseen the fireworks there for the past four years. Keay is in charge of the 8-minute fireworks show that lights up the sky each night outside the Ventura fair, and it takes hours of daily preparation, six assistants and a truck of explosives. He also is a firefighter for the Tule River Fire Department, just outside Bakersfield.

He remembers watching a TV show on the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the world a few years ago and knew then that he wanted to become a pyrotechnician.

The Fire Department just happened to be near the West Coast headquarters of Zambelli Fireworks Internationale, one of the oldest and largest American fireworks companies. After months of training, Keay now does about 43 fireworks shows a year for Zambelli.

Explosives can’t be stored at the fairgrounds, so every morning Keay picks them up from Zambelli in Bakersfield. The 150-mile drive each way can take him up to four hours round-trip.

When he returned from Bakersfield on a recent afternoon, he pulled up onto the promenade at the beach in front of the fairgrounds, between a few palm trees. He started setting up for the evening’s fireworks six hours later.

Keay said fireworks command respect; one wrong move can be deadly.

“They’re kind of like a grenade,” he said, holding up one of the fireworks.

He carried a bunch of them around his neck as he was setting up for Wednesday night’s fireworks display. While he’s never had an accident in which he was injured, he was hit by one of the falling stars. He said it felt like a hot paintball.

“You’ve got to have no fear,” said Chris Holona, one of Keay’s assistants.

For the fair’s fireworks, there are 183 “cues” each night. Each cue represents one aerial shell that bursts into stars or other “effects.”

Wooden crates along the beach hold up long, black mortars. The setup looks like makeshift organ pipes. His assistants clean out the mortars in the afternoon and hook the aerials up to an electric pin board about 30 feet away — command central for fireworks.

Aerials are one of the most complex types of fireworks and consist of a container, lift charge, time fuse, burst charge and stars or effects. The container is a strong wall that protects the contents. The lift charge propels the shell out of the tube, and the time fuse ignites the burst charge at the right altitude. The burst charge then ignites the effects.

Each aerial costs about $15, Keay said.

He keeps the displays simple for the fair, but on the first and last nights, he likes to jazz it up a bit with variations on the aerials, such as peonies — circles of color with white dots in the middle — white chrysanthemums, falling “gold spiders” or red-and-white fireworks that fall yellow.

His favorites are “salutes,” which just make a “real loud boom.”

“That always makes people stop and look to see what’s going on,” he said.

The Ventura County Fair’s fireworks continue tonight through Sunday at 10 p.m.

Georges Creek fireworks display hinge on cash bash event

Display location:LONACONING
City:LONACONING
State:Maryland
Date: Fourth of July 2010
Contact:(301) 707-4220 or (301) 463-3570

Details: LONACONING — Mike Staup, chairman of the Georges Creek Fireworks Committee, said he will know by Aug. 24 whether the valley’s skies will light up with pyrotechnics on or around the Fourth of July 2010.

“If we don’t sell all of our cash bash tickets by Aug. 24, we cancel that event, and it is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Staup said. “We’re desperate.”

The committee has put on the fireworks for four years. “This July we had 5,000 to 6,000 people there,” Staup said.

The cash bash, which will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Barton Fire Hall on Sept. 5, brings in $10,000 of the $13,000 needed to buy the fireworks display. All prizes are cash with the top prize being $1,500 drawn at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and just 500 are sold.

“We need people to sell tickets and people who will buy tickets,” Staup said. Call (301) 707-4220 or (301) 463-3570 to do either or stop by the Barton Fire Hall.

A cash bash ticket includes not only a chance to win money, but food and drink as well. Doors open at 1 p.m. on the day of the bash. A ticket holder’s presence is not required to win.

“Our fireworks are comparable to those in Cumberland or Keyser. In fact, we had people from both those towns attend the 2009 fireworks,” Staup said. The event takes place at the athletic field of Westmar Middle School.

The committee’s Aug. 24 meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Lonaconing Town Building.From staff reports

Dawes hosts music, fireworks display

Display location:Dawes Arboretum
City:Granville
State:OH
Date:Sept. 6

Details: Bluegrass, Barbeque and Boom will feature the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra and performers including The Andy Carlson Band, The Dappled Grays and Frosty Morning Bluegrass. The event will end with fireworks set to music.

• WHEN Sept. 6; gates open at 3 p.m., music begins at 3:30 p.m.

• WHERE Dawes Arboretum

• COST $10, $8 in advance at Daweswood Gifts; ages 12 and younger are free. VIP area tickets cost $125

• INFORMATION Kathy Boyer, (800) 44-DAWES

Navy Pier Fireworks Display

Display Location: Lake Michigan
City:Navy Pier
State:Chicago
Date:Aug 19, 9:30 on Wednesdays

Details: One of the coolest things about summer in Chicago is the free fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday. A barge floats into Lake Michigan and shoots a 15 minutes show just off of Navy Pier.

This week I was fortunate enough to join Where I've Been and a group of Chicagoans involved in social media for an evening aboard a yacht. We floated right up next to the barge - so close, in fact, that we were chased off by the gendarme!

The fireworks are at 9:30 on Wednesdays and 10:15 on Saturdays.

Fireworks Display Finale Brings In a Star

Display location: MASON
City: MASON
State :IA
Date: Aug 21
Display company: Zambelli

MASON CITY, IA--The roots on Dr. George Zambelli, jr.’s family tree run deep in American fireworks. “My grandfather… brought his pyrotechnic dream to America from…Italy to New Castle, Pennsylvania back in 1893,” he said.

And they've grown just a bit since then....especially over the last 50 years. “Back then [they] did 8 shows on the 4th of July and now we do over 800,” said Zambelli.

And they're not your average, run of the mill fireworks shows either. We're talking big, powerful displays like Thunder Over Louisville, the ball drop in New York City and the July third celebration at Mount Rushmore.

“I personally have been involved with doing fireworks for every president since and including John F. Kennedy,” he said.

He's even done premieres for Disney movies like ‘Hercules’.

“I've had a lot of great experiences: Super Bowls, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl--it's been fun,” he said.

Here's the kicker: this isn't Zambelli's only job. He's an M.D. and fits fireworks in between cataract and glaucoma operations. “There's a lot of tension with that,” he said. “So fireworks for me are a diversion.”

Even though the Zambellis are considered an industry powerhouse--he says for him, it's really a labor of love.

“It's a lot of hard work and if you're in it for the money you might be in it for the wrong reasons,” he said.

So when he said Friday’s show was one not to be missed--you believed him.

“It will be one of the largest displays this year in the United States,” he said. “So if you get a chance, get out and enjoy it.”

MMC To Host Fireworks Display

Display location:Pulaski
City:Pulaski
State:TN
Date:August 25th

Details: The Pulaski City Council approved an ordinance on first reading, relative to amending the 2009-2010 budget.

The ordinance places a $2,000 donation to the Giles County Veterans Alliance into the budget and also puts in $15,300 to make up the final cost of the Sam Davis Stadium project.

In other business, the mayor and aldermen approved a request from Martin Methodist College to hold a fireworks display on the campus August 25th. Martin plans a celebration to mark the goal of 1,000 students enrolled at the college. The resolution passed with a unanimous vote.

Mystery Ball Weekend, Fireworks display Top Beavers Homestand

Display location:PORTLAND
City:PORTLAND
State:Ore
Date:Aug. 21

Details: PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Beavers open an exciting eight-game homestand Friday at PGE Park. Mystery Ball Weekend, Proud to be a Padre Night, post-game fireworks and a businessperson's special day game all top the list of activities during the upcoming homestand.

The Beavers kick off Mystery Ball Weekend on Friday. As part of Mystery Ball Weekend, fans can purchase randomly selected, autographed baseballs for $25 from a limited supply that feature the signatures of Beavers players, the 2009 PCL All-Star team, hall-of-famers Tony Gwynn or Dave Winfield, or current major league stars the likes of Tim Lincecum, Hideki Matsui or Jonathan Papelbon. Proceeds from the weekend benefit the Portland Beavers & Portland Timbers Community Fund.

In addition to the fundraiser, the Beavers play host to two events this weekend as they face the Omaha Royals. Friday is Proud to be Padre Night, with the first 1,000 fans receiving a Padres visor. The Beavers then celebrate the birthday of team mascot, "Lucky," on Saturday. The first 1,903 kids 12 and under for Lucky's B-Day Bash receive a photo frame, courtesy of American Family Insurance.

Starting Friday, the Beavers are partnering with Schoolhouse Supplies to conduct a school supplies drive, presented by Supercuts, at PGE Park through the month of August. Fans can donate a variety of school supplies, including pencils, markers, glue sticks or notebooks, at Beavers home games and save $2 off their tickets purchased the PGE Park box office.

Enjoy a summer day at the ballpark on Monday, Aug. 17, for a businessperson's special as the Beavers take on the Royals at 1:05 p.m. The game is also part of a career fair taking place at PGE Park, presented by K103. Starting at 11 a.m., the first 500 participants that bring a resume to the fair receive free admission to the Beavers game. To register for the career fair, visit www.k103.com. Career fair participants attending the game after the first 500 people receive a discounted $5 infield reserved ticket.

Following the Beavers game against the Iowa Cubs on Wednesday, Aug. 19, fans will be treated to a special post-game concert by The Neverclaim. Wednesday's game time has been changed to 6:05 p.m.

The Beavers wrap up a four-game set against Iowa on Friday, Aug. 21, with one of the final post-game fireworks displays of the season. The final game of the homestand is also one of five Beavers Family 4-Pack games this season. Family 4-Packs include four Beavers game tickets, four meal vouchers, four Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center tickets and four Oregon Zoo tickets, starting at just $54. For more information about the Beavers Family 4-Packs, visit www.portlandbeavers.com.

Tickets for the Beavers series against Omaha, the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, and Iowa, the Triple-A club of the Chicago Cubs, are available through the PGE Park box office, area Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000. Convenient and affordable group and suite packages are available through the Beavers ticket office at (503) 553-5555.

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Homestand 9): Friday, Aug. 14 Proud to be a Padre Night / Mystery Ball Weekend - Beavers vs. Omaha - 7:05 p.m. The Beavers start a four-game series against Omaha on Proud to be a Padre Night and begin Mystery Ball Weekend on a Comcast $1 Menu Friday. The first 1,000 fans receive a Padres visor. During the game, fans can purchase a randomly selected, autographed baseball from a limited supply for $25, featuring various players from minor league prospects to hall of famers. Proceeds benefit the Portland Beavers & Portland Timbers Community Fund. Throughout the night, a variety of discounted concession items will be available for $1, including Zenner's hot dogs, Sierra Springs water and Nestle ice cream desserts.

Saturday, Aug. 15 Lucky's B-Day Bash / Mystery Ball Weekend - Beavers vs. Omaha - 7:05 p.m. The Beavers celebrate the birthday of team mascot, "Lucky," as they entertain the Royals at PGE Park. The first 1,903 kids 12 and under receive a photo frame, presented by American Family Insurance. As part of the festivities, fans can get their hands on special autographed baseballs during Mystery Ball Weekend, with proceeds benefiting the team's community fund.

Sunday, Aug. 16 Mystery Ball Weekend - Beavers vs. Omaha - 2:05 p.m. Portland and Omaha continue their four-game series during Mystery Ball Weekend on an American Family Insurance Kids Sunday. Proceeds from the Mystery Ball fundraiser benefit the Portland Beavers & Portland Timbers Community Fund. Prior to the first pitch, kids 12 and under can take advantage of the team's new Kids-Eat-Free plan, play catch on the field and get player autographs. After the game, kids are invited to run the bases at PGE Park, presented by Family Fun Center and Bullwinkle's Restaurant.

Monday Aug. 17 Businessperson's Special - Beavers vs. Omaha - 1:05 p.m. The Beavers and Royals finish a four-game set with an afternoon tilt live on FSN on a Home Run Derby Monday presented by American Family Insurance. During the day, the Beavers and K103 will help host a career fair at PGE Park. The first 500 participants who bring their resume to the fair will receive a free ticket to the game. To pre-register for the career fair, visit www.k103.com. Fans can also take part in the season-long MLB 2K9 tourney and earn a shot to play in the championship round at the end of the season.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 Fred Meyer $4 Tuesday - Beavers vs. Iowa - 7:05 p.m. The Beavers welcome the Cubs' top affiliate to PGE Park as the two clubs open a four-game series on a Fred Meyer $4 Tuesday. Throughout the day, 200 general admission tickets will be available for $4 through the PGE Park box office and Ticketmaster outlets at local Fred Meyer locations.

Wednesday, Aug. 19 Win-Win Wednesday - Beavers vs. Iowa - 6:05 p.m. Portland and Iowa square off on a Win-Win Wednesday at PGE Park. If the Beavers can pull off a win over the Cubs, each fan in attendance can redeem their ticket from Wednesday's game for entry into a future Sunday-Wednesday Beavers home game. Following the game, fans will be treated to a post-game concert by The Neverclaim.

Thursday, Aug. 20 Miller Lite Thursday / NFL Night - Beavers vs. Iowa - 7:05 p.m. With the start of the NFL season around the corner, the Beavers play host to NFL Night on a Miller Lite Thursday. Any fan wearing a NFL jersey can receive up to $3.50 off the game-day ticket price at the PGE Park Box Office. A series of NFL-related contests and in-game activities are on tap as the Beavers take on the Cubs live on FSN.

Friday, Aug. 21 Post-game Fireworks - Beavers vs. Iowa - 7:05 p.m. An eight-game homestand comes to a close on a Comcast $1 Menu Friday at PGE Park. During the game, a variety of discounted concession items will be available for $1, including Zenner's hot dogs, Sierra Springs water and Nestle ice cream desserts. After the game, the Beavers host one of their final post-game fireworks displays of the season, presented by Comcast.

The 2nd Annual Liberty Tree Festival replica, fireworks finale

Display location:Dalton
City:Dalton
State:Georgia
Date:Oct. 17

Details: The 2nd Annual Liberty Tree Festival commemorating Dalton as the home of Georgia’s Liberty Tree will be Oct. 14-17 downtown and organizers are promising another “incredible fireworks finale.”

Organizers say highlights this year will include “The Spirit of Liberty Bell,” a full-size replica of the original Liberty Bell; a salute to America’s military heroes; a barbecue cookoff and Sweet Tea Challenge; live music and more.

Festivities will begin that Wednesday with a celebration of religious liberty in the City Park School Auditorium. On Thursday, a Downtown Sampler will feature food from local restaurants and a walking tour, with ticket prices set “at a patriotic $17.76.”

Also during the festival, Peter Lillback of the Providence Forum will speak about the history of liberty trees at Dalton State College. Other events include field trips by local students as well as Saturday’s outdoor celebration on King Street featuring Revolutionary-era crafts, political candidate debates, downtown merchant specials and the fireworks finale.

Georgia’s Liberty Tree is a descendant of America’s last original colonial-era Liberty Tree, which served as a gathering place of the Sons of Liberty during the Revolution. In 2006, 14 descendant saplings were planted, with one going to each of the original 13 colonies and one to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate.

The city of Dalton was selected to be the home of Georgia’s Liberty Tree, which is at City Hall.

Lewisburg’s Derby Days features food, fireworks display

Display location:LEWISBURG
City:LEWISBURG
State:PA
Date:Aug. 15
Contact: (937) 962-2190.

Details: LEWISBURG — The Lewisburg 2009 Derby Days will be Aug. 13-15, featuring communitywide garage sales, a parade, a tractor pull, a cornhole tournament and other events.

This year’s event is the 24th annual Derby Days. It will start today, Aug. 13 with the Baby Beauty Contest, a tractor pull and an egg drop.

On Friday, the events include a chicken dinner at the firehouse, Lions Club Pork Chops, motorcycle bike night, K9 demonstrations, Derby Queen Contest, Dave Seagraves Street Dance and a drawing for a race at the Firehouse.

Saturday’s events include a VFW breakfast at the firehouse, a 5K walk and race, a parade at 11 a.m., a derby race, a pulled pork dinner and bake sale at the firehouse, a cruise-in downtown, a street dance with Stacy Crabtree and fireworks.

Commerce Street from Clay to Harrison streets will be closed Thursday and Friday at 5 p.m. and all day Saturday.

For more information, call Pam Baker at (937) 962-2190.

Many contributed to success of Kremmling's fireworks show

Display location:Kremmling
City:Kremmling
State: Colorado
Date:4th of July

Details: The Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees of our 4th of July Celebration - Fire Up The Cliffs. As often happens on a summer afternoon in Colorado, the sky turned black, thunder boomed, lightning lingered and the rain came pouring down causing us concern for what we would do with the 59 donated pies if the event was “called because of rain.” Then 30 minutes before the firemen served the first chicken dinner, the clouds dispersed, the sun appeared and we experienced a glorious, however cooler than normal, 4th of July evening.

Thanks to our sponsors: Grand County Colorado Tourism Board, Town of Kremmling and Shake ‘n Burger for making this event possible! Thanks to all who donated pies for our by- the- slice desert sale: Susan Wall & Grand Hair Design, Amy Cordova, Kim Mahana, Sheridan Myer, Twila O'Hotto, Audrey McWorter & Alpine West Business Products, Rosie Stahl & Eagle Summit Reporting, Cliffview Assisted Living Center, Reva Groff & O'Aces Liquor, Becky Miller & Subway, Cindy Hester & Hester Log & Lumber, Carrie George & Omni Real Estate, Janet Schayer, Pearl Burke & Town & Country Insurance, Therese McElroy & Tree House Bed & Breakfast, Bonnie Baseman & Construction Guys, Inc., Georgia Young; Sheilah Jones, Linda Mahon & Grand Mountain Bank, Sharon Young, Paula Belcher, Susan Cassel & Bureau of Land Management, Elizabeth Carmichael & Bear Mountain Ranch, Sara Miller & Red Mountain RV Park, Nancy Davidson; Leslie Jones & Kremmling Memorial Hospital, Irene Wheatley & Renegade Towing, Joe Borjas & White Mountain, Cathleen Molloy & Healthy Eating Healthy Bodies.

We couldn't do it without the help of our volunteers. Thanks for setting up, slicing & selling pies, selling pop and Fireworks glasses; tearing down, and quickly putting stuff back in storage so we could all enjoy the fireworks show. Michael Manuel, John Van Grinsven, Kym Colvin, Krysten Garcia, Irene Wheatley, Kim Shepton, Janet Schayer, Mary Pat Gale, Cathleen Molloy, Kira Stone, Kim & Anna Douglass, Jeff Pexton, Tor, Will & Jeremiah Elliott & their friend “ShortBus”: your help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks to our volunteer fire department for the great BBQ and fireworks display. Thanks to all of you who supported the event by attending.

Marty Pexton

Assistant Director & Member Relations

Kremmling Area Chamber of Commerce

Ventura Fair firework show

Display location:Ventura Fair
City:Ventura
State:CA
Date: Aug 16th

Details: Looking for something fun, exciting or romantic to do? If you can stay awake till at least 9:45 pm this week, you should consider paddling out into the ocean to watch the Ventura Fair firework show. It starts at 10 pm every night and it is definitely worth the motivation. I paddled out on the first night and it was incredible. The full moon was shinning, the water was warm and the fireworks were incredible from this point of view.

The Ventura Fair runs until Aug 16th so make sure you check this out.

Details worked out on Utica fireworks display event

Display location: Radisson Hotel-Utica Centre’s parking garage
City:Uticy
State:NY
Date:Aug 20. 9:45 p.m.

Details: The city worked out the final details of Fireworks Over Utica on Thursday, nine days before the event is scheduled to take place in the area around City Hall.

At a meeting of event coordinators, city employees and public safety officials, Chief Fire Marshal Raymond Beck expressed concerns about pulling the event off legally in the area near City Hall.

The Aug. 22 event will consist of a concert by Blue Oyster Cult at Hanna Park, culminating in an 18-minute fireworks show beginning at 9:45 p.m. The fireworks will be set off from the Radisson Hotel-Utica Centre’s parking garage, across the street from City Hall.

Beck expressed concerns about fireworks safety, given the many structures located near the parking garage.

Radisson General Manager Mark Cherry said the solution involved using smaller charges so that fireworks could be shot off from the top of the garage.

At the meeting, Cherry expressed concerns about use of the parking garage. The original plans included closing the Radisson parking garage, but Cherry said he needed it for patrons of the hotel and a wedding planned that night.

In the end, it was decided the garage would only be closed during the fireworks display, a conclusion Cherry said he was satisfied with.

“It seemed to resolve itself,” Cherry said. “When I got up and left, I was quite happy.”

Officials said they believed key issues had been worked out.

“That’s what these final meetings are for,” said Larry Desiato, events coordinator for the city. “To finalize the preparation and final steps.”

Pamela Levine of Strategic Partnership Services – an events company that’s part of radio company Galaxy Communications – said the gates at the event will open at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10.

fireworks display celebrate the opens of Rivers Casino

Display location:Pittsburgh
City:Pittsburgh
State:Pennsylvania
Date:Aug 16

Details: PITTSBURGH - Hundreds of people are trying their luck at Pittsburgh's brand-new Rivers Casino following a noon Sunday opening that kicked off the slot-machine gambling era in the city.
The opening was celebrated with fireworks and clouds of confetti. Many patrons had stood outside in hot weather before the opening as casino workers passed out bottled water. Others packed an air-conditioned bus depot waiting area.
Sixty-three-year-old Jim Viscusi of Bellevue arrived at 5:30 a.m. to be first in line.
The new $780 million casino features 3,000 slot machines. It will also feature nine restaurants and bars and a multistory glass facade that overlooks the Ohio River, downtown Pittsburgh and Mount Washington.

Firework display contest enthrals crowds

Display location:Plymouth Sound
City:Plymouth
Date:Aug 12 Wednesday evening

Details: Tens of thousands of people were treated to a spectacular pyrotechnic display at the first night of the British Fireworks Championships.
Crowds took advantage of a balmy summer evening, gathering at every possible vantage point around Plymouth Sound.
The event is estimated to boost the local economy in Devon by about £4m.
The first three teams to compete were Dragon Dynasty, Phoenix Fireworks and Skyburst. The second heat will take place on Wednesday evening.
The teams competing on Wednesday will be Vulcan (Fireking), Celebration Fireworks and Highlight Pyrotechnics.
The event, which is in its 13th year, is supported by Plymouth City Council and includes a funfair, live entertainment and refreshment stalls.
The overall winner will be announced on Wednesday after the second heat.

Rivers Casino opens with fireworks display

Display location:Pittsburgh
City:Pittsburgh
State:Pennsylvania
Date:Aug 15.
Contact:mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.

Details: With a touch of Vegas glitz, from leggy showgirls to fireworks, slots gambling arrived in Pittsburgh yesterday as big crowds swarmed the Rivers Casino on its opening day, eager to try out their luck.
If there was any doubt about the city's appetite for slots, it was all but dispelled by early afternoon, as customers huddled around many of the casino's 3,000 machines, nearly filled the 3,800-space parking garage and endured long lines that snaked around the gambling floor to sign up for players cards.
For the most part, the North Shore riverfront venue seemed to be an instant hit. If visitors weren't playing, they appeared to be eating, crowding several of the casino's restaurants, including its all-you-can-eat buffet.
As Dianna Davis, 38, of Braddock, sat at the casino's outdoor amphitheater and watched boats cruise the Ohio River, she couldn't help but be impressed.
"This is wonderful. Oh my god, it's so exciting. I've been to Las Vegas and I think this is as exciting as a casino in Las Vegas, especially in Pittsburgh," she said.
"I think it's going to change Pittsburgh forever," added Dan Sandroni, 45, of Crawford Square in the Hill District. "I just think it makes [the city] a little more contemporary."
More than three years in the making, the casino, which came close to bankruptcy last summer, opened at precisely noon in a shower of confetti and a burst of fireworks. A big cheer erupted from hundreds gathered outside on a sweltering August morning waiting to play before they streamed through the doors.
For the dignitaries gathered for the opening, the venue not only represents another entertainment choice but a potential cash cow. In the first year of operation, the casino expects to take in more than $400 million -- the equivalent of what players will lose -- with 55 percent of that going to the state, most for property tax relief.
Neil Bluhm, the Chicago billionaire who heads the group that took over the project last August after developer Don Barden failed to secure financing, believes the casino can deliver on its promise.
"It's hard to predict, but I think it will be a great success," he said.
The slots venue is expected to produce $10 million to $17 million a year for Allegheny County for its operating budget, County Executive Dan Onorato said. The city will get up to $10 million more.
Not everybody was enthralled with the casino's opening. Anti-gambling advocates in Pittsburgh joined members of Casino-Free Philadelphia to protest in front of the Rivers' main entrance. They held a banner that said "Casinos = Corruption."
"Today we mourn the opening of a fancy new facility that will suck $400 million out of the Pittsburgh-area economy while its wealthy owners claim they are doing something great for our city," said Bruce Barron, president of No Dice, an anti-gambling group.
But such voices seemed to be in the minority on a day when thousands -- no precise number was available -- packed the casino to try out brand-new slot machines or sample other amenities.
One couple rode their bicycles to the Rivers along the North Shore trail, part of which cuts through the venue. Another drove in from Cleveland.
Jim Hill, 58, of Brentwood, arrived at the casino about 9 a.m. He lost about $100 in his first hour inside but didn't seem to mind. He has been to Las Vegas and other casinos in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He liked the Rivers.
"I love it. It's really nice. I go to all kinds of casinos. This one is really nice," he said.
Lee Codispoti, 26, of Belle Vernon, tested his luck on a virtual blackjack machine. Mr. Codispoti, who has been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City and likes to play table games, believes the Rivers' electronic blackjack does a good job simulating the real thing.
"I'll definitely come back," he said.
But Bob Vincenti, 52, of Robinson, wasn't as impressed with an IGT virtual roulette machine that the casino says is the only one of its kind in Pennsylvania. He said there is no interaction with other players, as there is on actual roulette.
"I just came back from Vegas, and it's a lot better than this. I prefer to have interaction with others," he said, adding that he probably would return to the Rivers but "not on a regular basis."
One early winner was Lucile Reese, 64, of the North Side, who hit a $1 machine for $2,000. Ms. Reese, who visits casinos about three times a month, said it was her biggest jackpot ever. Not surprisingly, she liked the casino.
"It's going to be my home, yes," she said.
Not everything ran smoothly. Some people complained about how cold it was inside. Others were upset that they had to wait so long -- up to an hour -- to get a players card. The casino said it had four lines going to try to speed things up.
"I think for opening day they should have had a special process," said Valerie Dixon, 48, of East Liberty, who was still standing in line for her card half an hour after arriving at the casino.
But despite the big crowd and a baseball game at PNC Park, traffic around the North Shore did not appear to be the issue the Pirates and Steelers thought it would be after Mr. Barden won the license. In retrospect, such concerns "were overblown," said Mr. Barden, who attended yesterday's opening.
"I tried to tell them that. I had experienced it in Detroit. I knew what was going to happen," he said.
For some, things didn't go as planned. Susan Gordon, 61, of Ross, arrived at the casino at 7:15 a.m., hoping to hit it big. Instead, she ended up losing $300. Nonetheless, she said she would be back, if only for the "excitement of trying to win really big money."
A true Pittsburgher, she did have one complaint, however.
"I think they should have black-and-gold carpet, not orange for the Cincinnati Bengals," she said.
Kay Shearer, 67, of Monroeville, has been to lots of casinos in the past but said she probably will spend most of her time at the Rivers in the future. She had a simple explanation.
"If you're going to lose, you might as well lose close to home," she said.
Robin Rombach/Post-Gazette
Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette
The slots-gambling era opened in Pittsburgh when hundreds of people swarmed into the Rivers Casino.
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Mark Belko can be reached at mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262.

Concert, fireworks display to launch Selfridge Air Show

Display location:Selfridge
Date:Aug. 21
Event website:www.selfridgeairshow.org.

Details: Classic rockers will be joining some classic aircrafts Aug. 21, to help launch the 2009 Selfridge Air Show and Open House.

Rockers Mitch Ryder and The Romantics will be performing an outdoor concert at Selfridge the night before the two-day air show officially begins. Tickets for the concert, which will include a fireworks show and a brief flying preview of the show, are $10 and are available at www.selfridgeairshow.org.
The gates will open at 7 p.m. for the concert. Visitors should use the Selfridge main gate entrance at Hall Road and Jefferson. All visitors to the base must have a government-issued ID card. The concert will begin at 8 p.m.
“The Friday night concert is a great way to get a little preview of what’s to come on Saturday and Sunday and also to meet many of the pilots who will be performing at the show,” said Maj. Jim Rossi, director of the Selfridge Air Show.
Among those who will be attending the evening event are the pilots and support personnel of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team, which will be performing at the Selfridge Air Show.
Proceeds from the concert help defray the cost of putting on the Air Show and Open House, which is free Aug. 22-23

Pyrotechnics Guild International convention

Display location:North Iowa Fairgrounds
City:Mason
State:IA
Date: this week

Details: Millions of explosions will be heard in Mason City this week along with colorful bursts of light as the North Iowa Fairgrounds hosts the Pyrotechnics Guild International convention. Tom Sklebar, a vice president of P-G-I, says they'll bring huge public fireworks displays during the evenings while it's also a competition between the so-called "pyros."
He labels it the International Olympics of fireworks competition with fireworks of all shapes and sizes, some that you'll never see in public fireworks displays due to their size and cost. Some shells weigh 150 pounds each and take two months to build. There will be public displays almost every night through Friday night, but Sklebar says a lot of people miss out on what takes place after those public displays conclude.
He says the "good stuff" and the competition with the hand-crafted quality fireworks happens later on with the competitions, since many of the fireworks will be types that the public typically doesn't see, often going until 1 A.M. Sklebar says many of the 35-hundred fireworks makers will be showing off their talents while also teaching about pyrotechnics. There are more than 100 classes and seminars being offered, like a class on how to photograph fireworks.
There are instructors who teach dance choreography at the university level who are "into" fireworks and will teach how to coordinate fireworks with music. Friday night's Grand Public Display will feature something called The Mega String, a wall of millions of firecrackers that are all ignited at once and produces a sound louder than a jet engine.

City Council OKs fireworks display for Gems playoff games

Display location: Washington Park.
City: Washington
State:Washington
Date:Aug 13
Contact:ehusar@whig.com/221-3378

Details: More fireworks are planned for fans of the Quincy Gems, but a victory is needed first.
The City Council on Monday authorized the Gems to shoot fireworks after their home playoff game Wednesday night and again Thursday if another game is needed in the best-of-three championship series. The Gems won the opening game Monday 4-2 on the road against the Chillocothe Paints in Chillicothe, Ohio.
In other action Monday, the council agreed to let the Washington Theater Redevelopment Commission close a portion of Hampshire Street in front of the theater the evening of Sept. 11.
The commission is planning a special ceremony to turn on the lights for the first time on the newly refurbished marquee and entryway. The lighting ceremony is expected to take place about 7:45 p.m. in conjunction with that evening's Blues in the District event at Washington Park.
The council also:
* Authorized Bob Anderson of A & amp;A Rentals, 314 N. Sixth, to block the sidewalk in front of the business for one week for maintenance work.
* Authorized the Pink Pass It On in the District fundraising committee to place ribbons on signposts and streetlights along Fifth and Sixth, between Maine and Hampshire, and along Maine from Fifth to 24th Street during October.
* Authorized Stubby's Tavern, 1517 N. Third, to have liquor in a fenced-in area outdoors during a fundraising benefit Sunday.

Fireworks display, Faith Night, & Giveaways Highlight Sounds Eight-Game Homestand

Display location:NASHVILLE
City:NASHVILLE
State:Tenn.
Date:Friday, August 14 Fresno Grizzlies 7:00 p.m. FIREWORKS Saturday
August 15 Fresno Grizzlies 6:00 p.m. FIREWORKS / Purity Faith Night
Friday, August 21 Sacramento River Cats 7:00 p.m. FIREWORKS

Details: NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds return home to historic Greer Stadium this Friday, August 14 to open an eight-game homestand against the Fresno Grizzlies (Triple-A Giants) and Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A Athletics) of the PCL Pacific Southern Division after returning from an eight-game road trip.
Highlighting the week's worth of promotions will be three postgame fireworks shows, a Purity Faith Night Concert featuring Eleventyseven, a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, a Team Photo Giveaway, and Autograph Day.
As with all weekend games at historic Greer Stadium, postgame fireworks will light up the sky after Friday's 7:00 homestand opener against the Fresno Grizzlies. The all-time series record against Fresno is 24-20 after the Sounds swept the Grizzlies last year in Fresno. Gates open at 5:30.
The second game of the four-game series takes place at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and it will be the eighth and final Purity Faith Night, featuring the headlining music act Eleventyseven, presented by Blue Coast Burrito, Trevecca University, and Union University. Combined with postgame fireworks, Friday is another can't miss night at the ballpark with the Nashville Sounds! Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday is Autograph Day, with a pre-game autograph session taking place on field with members of the Sounds team and coaching staff. It will also be a Purity Sundae Sunday with $1 ice cream sundaes at Greer Stadium. Game time is 6:00 p.m. with gates opening at 4:30 p.m.
The series finale takes place at 6:00 p.m. on Monday against Fresno and it will be Dollar Dog Night, where fans are able to purchase hot dogs for $1. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
The Sounds welcome the 2008 PCL Champion Sacramento River Cats to Music City starting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening for the series opener, and it will be Celebration of Baseball Night at historic Greer Stadium. The Nashville Sounds will recognize baseball teams and players of the past, present, and future from the Middle Tennessee area, including former MLB players, area college teams, and local little league and high school state champions. It will also be KRAFT Singles Tuesday Night Tickets where fans will be able to bring in a KRAFT Singles package wrapper/proof of purchase to the box office for a Buy One Get One Free ticket offer. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday's game against Sacramento is at 7:00 p.m., with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. The River Cats split the four-game series with the Sounds last season in Sacramento before winning the PCL title for the fourth time in the last six seasons.
Thursday is the third game of a four-game series with the River Cats. The Sounds are giving away Team Photos to the first 5,000 fans and Back-to-School Backpacks to the first 1,000 children 12 and under who enter through the gates at historic Greer Stadium. Game time is 7:00 p.m. and gates open at 5:30 p.m.
The homestand finale takes place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday against Sacramento and gates open at 5:30 p.m. A spectacular postgame fireworks display will immediately follow the action on the field.
Following the homestand, Nashville will begin an eight-game road trip to face the Albuquerque Isotopes (Triple-A Dodgers) and the Round Rock Express (Triple-A Astros). The Sounds will return to Music City on August 31 to open the final homestand of the regular season, a four-game set with the divisional and cross-state rival Memphis Redbirds.
Tickets and group packages are currently on sale. Call (615) 690-HITS ext. 2 or visit the Sounds' website at www.nashvillesounds.com to order or for more information.
NASHVILLE SOUNDS HOMESTAND OVERVIEW
Friday, August 14 Fresno Grizzlies 7:00 p.m. FIREWORKS
Saturday, August 15 Fresno Grizzlies 6:00 p.m. FIREWORKS / Purity Faith Night
Sunday, August 16 Fresno Grizzlies 6:00 p.m. Autograph Day
Monday, August 17 Fresno Grizzlies 6:00 p.m. Red Hot Chicago Dollar Dog Night
Tuesday, August 18 Sacramento River Cats 6:00 p.m. KRAFT Singles Tuesday Night Tickets
Celebration of Baseball
Wednesday, August 19 Sacramento River Cats 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 20 Sacramento River Cats 7:00 p.m. Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway
Team Photo Giveaway
Friday, August 21 Sacramento River Cats 7:00 p.m. FIREWORKS

Hamlin Town fireworks display dates set

Display location:Hamlin
City:Hamlin
State:NY
Date:the coming weeks of the rain-delayed Fourth of July display&September 11,

Details: In an unusually lengthy and well-attended meeting Monday evening, Hamlin Town Council agreed to commence the process of amending a long-standing ordinance banning all terrain vehicles from the municipality's streets. However, Mayor Brian Barrett and number of the council members made clear that the only way to overturn the ordinance fully would be by a referendum, most likely at the time of next summer's town elections.A number of concerned citizens expressed their concerns about being stopped by law enforcement officers for riding ATVs at what they said were very low speeds. One speaker underscored his physical impairments, and highlighted the value of ATV use to him. It was also repeatedly suggested that those riding ATVs at high speeds and dangerously, are most usually from outside the town limits.After lengthy discussion, the members agreed unanimously to begin the process of amending the town ordinance, whereby those town residents with disabilities, whose disability necessitates the use of the ATV, would be exempt from the full ordinance. The amendment will be drafted, reviewed and read at two meetings prior to a vote and passage. In other business, the council agreed to have two fireworks displays during the coming weeks. This will be in place of the rain-delayed Fourth of July display. Fireworks will be let off as part of the Lincoln Primary Care Center's annual Chilifest. A second fireworks display will take place on September 11, as had been earlier suggested. That's the same night as the Lincoln County High School Panther's home opening game against Sissonville.Next week's print edition of The Lincoln Journal will include full reporting on the council meeting.

Fireworks Display at Lal Haveli on Aug 13 night

Display location:Lal Haveli
Date:Aug 13 at 12:01am

Details: RAWALPINDI: Former federal minister and Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has announced to hold a public gathering at Lal Haveli on August 13 night in connection with the Independence Day celebrations.Display of fireworks will be the attraction of the gathering that has been organised at the same venue for the last 19 years. The function will start at 10pm, while the display of fireworks at 12:01am.The ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has also announced to organise a public gathering at 10pm at Glass Factory the same night.

Jackson Belden Food Fest and Fireworks Display success

Display location:Akron
City:Akron
State:Ohio
Contact: 330-833-4400.

Details: The Jackson Belden Food Fest and Fireworks enjoyed good weather and lots of wonderful food, smiles and good times.
Click on our photos to see just a few of the happy folks that enjoyed a good time at the Food Fest. The photos were taken by Jackson Suburbanite writer Ann Margaret Lambo.

Rain doesn't stop fireworks display

Display location:Grand Haven
City:Grand Haven
State: WI
Date:Aug 1st.
Contact: news@grandhaventribune.com

Details: The ground may have been damp Saturday night from the afternoon rain, but spirits were high as thousands of people lined the streets to watch the fireworks show in the evening. "I was thrilled," said Mike Smith, Executive Director of the Coast Guard Festival. "Everything was on track and on cue. The weather was iffy but we worked with it and that all worked out fine." Sgt. Randy Poel of Grand Haven's Department of Public Safety said the vast majority of the festival is normally trouble free. He said police were out at 9 a.m. Saturday to start setting up traffic control for the parade. "It's my favorite work week of the year," Poel said. "I had the opportunity to take it off but I wanted to work. You get a chance to see people you haven't seen in years and it's a neat way to give back to the Coast Guard." The crowd stood in silent respect as the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard, led only by police motorcycles, performed their drills. Following them were 160 parade entries, treating the crowd to almost an hour and a half of entertainment. Kids were delighted and dove for candy as Meijer, the parade sponsor, had its workers tossing out treats from their antique truck. Three different marching bands, including the U.S. Coast Guard band, made their way through the parade providing a festive sound throughout the morning. Nate and Shyle Lyons traveled all the way from San Diego, Calif., to enjoy the Coast Guard Festival. They lived in Grand Haven until two years ago. "We really like being back in Grand Haven and seeing everyone that we missed," Shyle Lyons said. "I'm glad we were able to come home for the best week of Grand Haven's summer. We've been looking forward to the parade and the fireworks for awhile now." Her husband, Nate, also enjoyed being back in town because of the neighborly feel of the city and the nostalgia of the festival. "It's been nice to see familiar faces when I come down the street," he said. "It's especially like that during Coast Guard. It's one of my favorite times of the year." The Scottville Clown Band kept the excitement going all the way until the end of the parade. At the end, they stopped and performed to entertain people of all ages. The promised musical fountain show and evening fireworks display kept people in Grand Haven for most of the day, where they could enjoy the craft fair and the many restaurants that had more than an hour wait list. The rain stopped and by around 7 p.m. the overcast skies were gone. "We don't know exactly how many people were there," Smith said. "But we know that it was a lot." The fireworks, which lasted more than 15 minutes, filled the sky with an array of colors as people cheered for their favorites. When the final firework made its mark, everyone who was seated near the waterfront burst into applause. "The rain probably had an effect," Smith said. "But what matters is that the fireworks were spectacular and if people left they missed a great show."

Saginaw sixth annual National Night fireworks display

Display location: Saginaw
City:Saginaw
State:MI
Date: sixth annual National Night 9:30 p.m.

Details: The Saginaw Township Police Department is hosting its sixth annual National Night Out from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Township Soccer Complex, where officers hope to provide a "positive setting" for families to interact with public safety workers.
"So often, children are only dealing with the police in negative settings, where Mom or Dad has been stopped by a traffic stop or there's been a crime in their home," says township Officer Brian Kanicki. "This is an opportunity for families and kids to see the police in a positive setting and see police officers as normal human beings."
The department will have several of its squad cars and motorcycles at the complex, Kanicki said. In addition, the Army National Guard will have a Blackhawk helicopter on display, and the township Fire Department will display trucks and allow children to play with the hose.
The event also will feature inflatable games and rides, live music from The Sinclairs Band, and food.
"The kids are going to leave with a ton of prizes and hopefully a bunch of good memories," Kanicki said.
Some also will leave safer. Field Neurosciences Institute's "Think First -- Buckle Your Brain" initiative will give away 300 bike helmets.
The institute's staff, along with township Police Department bike officers, will custom fit the helmets for children 1 and older, teens and adults.
"You can get a good helmet, but if it's not fitted properly, it doesn't work right," Kanicki said.
The night will conclude with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks display, festivities at Beverly Homecoming

Display location: Lynch Park
City:BEVERLY
State:Massachusetts.
Date:Aug. 9.
Show contact:978-921-6067.

Details: BEVERLY — The 43rd annual Beverly Homecoming kicks off tonight with a new event — the "Moonshine Murder Mystery" dinner theater, $35 at the Liberty Lodge — and kicks it up a notch with a fireworks display at Lynch Park on Sunday, Aug. 9.

However, that display might not pack quite the punch it did in the past.

The Beverly Homecoming Committee has less than half of its usual funding for the fireworks display, volunteer John Maihos said. It costs about $15,000, and they've raised almost $6,500, which will be combined with reserves from previous years.

Yet, the show will go on, Beverly Recreation Director Bruce Doig said.

"The fireworks are a great way to end our homecoming events," Doig said. "People from around the North Shore visit Lynch Park to see them, and they look forward to them. We'll do whatever is necessary to have a show again this year."

The Lobster Festival on Wednesday is one of the only fundraising events for the display.

"We'll have to push hard for next year to make sure we continue on this nice tradition," Maihos said.

While Lobster Fest remains a highlight, and Lynch Park is the place to be during the weeklong celebration, Homecoming is meant to bring the city together, and many events extend into the community.

Don't miss the second annual hot dog-eating contest Monday at Rondogs on Rantoul Street, or a tour of the Hospital Point Lighthouse, which is only open a few days a year.

The Beverly Senior Center is also hosting a wide range of activities like bridge and cribbage games, health assessments, exercise classes, and more.

Also new this year is the Roaming Raceway & Railroad, a kids' carnival that will roll into Lynch Park during Tiny Tots Day on Sunday.

Last year it rained, and a couple of years ago the heat seemed to drive people away, Doig said. Hopefully, the weather this year will be better, and the Recreation Department plans to set up a large tent, just in case.

The city is also looking for Lobster Fest volunteers to do a number of odd jobs like setting up and breaking down tables, clothing sales, recycling assistance and parking lot help.

For more information, contact the Beverly Recreation Department at 978-921-6067.

For a complete schedule and more information, visit www.beverlyhome coming.com.

Reserve spots at midnight for fireworks display, parade

Display location:Grand Haven
City:Grand Haven
State:MI
Date:Aug.7, Friday

Details: The route for Saturday's parade in downtown Grand Haven is already filling up with caution tape, stakes and flags.

But according to the Grand Haven Department of Public Works, spots can't be reserved for either the Coast Guard Festival Grand Parade on Saturday afternoon or that evening's fireworks show until 12:01 a.m. Friday.

City crews will remove items used to reserve spots along the waterfront or the city marina, but not in the rights of way along the parade route, according to Grand Haven Community Affairs Manager Sandy Katt.

No plastic tarps, duct tape, rocks or stakes are allowed for reserving spots, according to a city notice. Mooring along the seawall isn't allowed from noon Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, the notice said.

Little Compton serves up chicken, circus, fireworks display

Display location:LITTLE COMPTON
City:Little Compton
State:Rhode Island
Date:August 1

LITTLE COMPTON — It’s that time again — the mid-summer weekend, this time Saturday, August 1 —when Little Compton throws a chicken barbecue and invites all to the center of town for a full day of fun with fireworks in the evening.

Along with the annual attractions there are new events and changes (For a full schedule, see below.)

Big top circus

After a seven-year absence, the old-time, one-ring, big-top Circus Vidbel is coming back to town, with two shows scheduled for Saturday afternoon, and two on Sunday.

Circus fans will have a chance to watch aerialists, jugglers and “foot jugglers,” clowns, acrobatic horse riders, and comic dogs. For those who’e like to watch them raise the giant tent, set-up is planned for Friday at about mid-day on the Peckham Lot right next to Veteran’s Field. The public is welcome.

If you buy tickets for the circus ahead of time, 40 percent of the proceeds go to the sponsoring Little Compton Volunteer Fire Department, said Jack Crook, the group’s president, while a smaller share from tickets sold at the door goes to the group (see insert).

Fireworks and bonfire

Fireworks in town Saturday night, followed by a bonfire, are set to start at 9 p.m. in the baseball outfield next to Veteran’s Field. Eighteen minutes or so of fireworks start the show, followed by a 12 to 15 minute middle section, with a finale that is likely to last about one and a half minutes.

Shells fired during the show, said an official from Bay Fireworks that’s putting it on, will ascend 300 - 500 feet in the air. Barrages, he said, go up about 150 to 200 feet, and “exhibit multiple effects, very rapidly, very colorfully. You’ll see a lot of different effects, all in the blink of an eye.”

Other events

Other events on the schedule (see insert) include a display of Pandora’s Boxes and a drawing, organized out of Brownell House on The Commons, a silent auction, games and bouncing toys for children, singing and dancing, Indian dancing and story-telling, Tarot card and palm and rune readings, and a braided rug exhibition and a performance by Tony “The Dancing Cop.”

The birds, the sauce, and eats

The centerpiece feature for the weekend — barbecued chicken — will be different from what has become the practice in recent years. This year the barbecued chicken will be catered and cooked off-site by Becky’s BBQ of Middletown. Tickets are $15.

This year 250 half-chickens will be available, along with potato salad, cole slaw, corn bread, watermelon, and a drink.. Last year and for many years over twice that many chickens (550) were broiled outdoors on site over charcoal on Veteran’s Field by long-time resident Roger Wordell (the head chef) and a crew of about 10 local volunteers. This year, however, Mr. Wordell and his crew, have decided to take a break.

To be sure of getting a chicken this year, people can make reservations by calling Penny Walker, the society’s president, at 635-2642.

Hot dogs and snacks throughout the afternoon and evening will be provided by Saughkonnet Hot Dogs. Dana Neville, the “Cotton Candy Man,” will have popcorn, cotton candy, and shaved ice on hand.

Departures from past

Apart from the absence of cooking smoke, the barbecue weekend this year will depart in other ways from what has been the practice in recent years. There will no events Friday night, nor live music or crafts and arts booths.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Unless otherwise indicated, all events are free, and will take place on Veteran’s Field at The Commons. Handicapped parking available at field.

“Mid day” — Circus Vidbel big top tent-raising — Peckham Lot

Saturday, Aug. 1

11-7 p.m. — Pandora’s Boxes — ticket sales, inspection, entry for drawings — Brownell House — admission free, but drawing entry tickets are $1 each (book of 6 for $5, book of 18 for $10, etc.)

12 p.m. — Chicken Barbeque (from Becky’s BBQ) — noon until 250 chickens are sold out (reservations taken, contact Penny Walker at 635-2642) —$15

12-4 p.m. — Saughkonnet Hot Dogs — hot dogs, snack bar

12-4 p.m. — children’s rides/activities (bouncer, basketball shoot, boxing punching strength game, inflatable slide ) — tickets 4 for $1

12-4 p.m. — Braided Rug Exhibition and Sale (by Brownell Braiders), Bunny Green Jeans (sale of re-fashioned clothing), Tarot Card Readings by Jackie Brown, palms and runes readings by Zodia

12-4 p.m. — Silent auction (items include Debra Bodington print, hand-braided wool rugs, calendar print, girl’s dress-up kit, brass door knocker, high tea for 8 at Brownell House) —bids opened at 4 p.m.

12-4 p.m. —Aquidneck Island Indian Council (Comanche, Blackfoot, Mohawk, Seneca, Cherokee, Narrangansett) —songs, dances, storytelling,teepee

12-4 p.m. — Dana Neville — The Cotton Candy Man — popcorn, cotton candy, shaved ice

12:30 p.m. — Tony “The Dancing Cop”

1:30 p.m. — East Bay Summer Chorus

2:30 p.m. — Broadway Dance Troup

4 p.m. — Circus Vidbel performance — Peckham Lot (tickets: advance $8 at fire station, community center, and Wilbur Store and Simmons Store; at door $10)

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Saughkonnet Hot Dogs — hot dogs, snack bar

6:30 p.m. — Circus Vidbel performance, Peckham Lot

7 p.m. — drawings for Pandora’s Boxes — Brownell House

9 p.m. — Fireworks (15-18 minutes) — baseball outfield

9:30 p.m. — Bonfire

Sunday, Aug. 2

2 and 4:30 p.m.— Circus Vidbel performance — Peckham Lot

Fireworks Display Add Flare to Upcoming Speedrome Television Taping

Display location: Indianapolis Speedrome
City:INDIANAPOLIS
State:Indiana
Date: Saturday night

INDIANAPOLIS -- The sky will dazzle with lots of color Saturday night at the Home of the World Figure 8. The 63rd Annual Casse Family Fireworks program, presented by Morgan Linens, will serve as a 'Back to School Blast' at the Indianapolis Speedrome. The summer spectacular will be the largest in the history of the super short track. The show is one of the most unique anywhere in the country. It has all the expected aerial displays throughout the performance with big bursts of sky paint and noise.

The thing that makes it standout from normal shows is the signature ground displays. Over the years, the Casse family has filled the Speedrome infield with various Firework activities in-between the classic aerial shots. Some of the favorites include: the Liberty Bell, cars crashing at the crossover, the American Flag, tank battles, and much more. There are several new surprises set for this year's event. VIP Reserved Main Stretch seats are just $20, with Adult General Admission set for $15 and Kids ages 6-11 going for just $10 general admission. And as always at the Speedrome Kids five and under are FREE.

And that is just the tip of the iceberg on this program. The night also includes oval racing for the Jiffy Lube Late Models, Peters Auto Service Hornets, Stocks, and Roadrunners. The evening will be capped off by the very special 8th Annual Phyllis Tunny Memorial Figure 8. The race pays tribute to the late 2007 Hall of Fame inductee who did so much for the Speedrome over the years. The wild, unpredictable, and intense crossover action will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Racing begins at 7pm.

This brings us to the television coverage. The weekly program 'Lucas Oil on the Edge' will roll into town to capture all the thrills and spills. The home for motorsports coverage Speed TV will be the place that the show airs (date to be announced). This combination, along with partners New Wave Productions, has showcased some of the nation's best racing over the past few years including our own World Figure 8 Championship which they covered in 2004 and 2005. Fans this is a great opportunity to be seen on national television. The folks at New Wave Productions will have this place covered with cameras on and off the famous fifth-mile racing surface. Fans you are encouraged to make and display banners/signs for your favorite drivers. Join us for this spectacular!

Saturday August 1st
Television Taping and Fireworks!
Phyllis Tunny Memorial Figure 8
Late Models, Stocks, Roadrunners, and Hornets
Pit Gates Open at 4pm
Practice Starts at 5pm
Spectator Gates Open at 5pm
Racing Gets Underway at 7pm
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The Indianapolis Speedrome is located near the intersection of Brookville Road and Kitley Avenue on Indianapolis' Southeast side. We are the home of the $20,000 to win 33rd Annual World Figure 8 Championship September 10-12, 2009