Fireworks Display Returns to John Stiff Park
Amarillo, TX – The City of Amarillo, in conjunction with the AGN Media and Amarillo Symphony, is pleased to announce that the fireworks display will return to the line-up of family-friendly festivities at John Stiff Park this year. Last year’s fireworks were replaced with a laser show due to drought conditions.
“The Amarillo Globe-News has been proud to be a sponsor of this event since its beginning in 1954,” says Les Simpson, publisher of AGN Media. “We’re especially pleased that because of improved weather conditions, we will be able to have fireworks again this year. It’s going to be a great Fourth of July.”
Entry into the park begins at 4:30 p.m. July 4 with onsite parking provided along 45th Ave on the north side of the park. Parking costs $3 and will benefit Southwest AMBUCS, a non-profit service organization dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.
In addition to The Amarillo Symphony, Live Music on the Anderson Merchandiser Stage will include:
4:30 p.m. Beyond Country
5:30 p.m. A.J. Swope & Last Train Home
6:45 p.m. Casey Berry & The Live Texas Mosquitoes
8:30 p.m. Amarillo Symphony
Plus, children are encouraged to participate in the Kid’s Bike Parade which begins at 5 p.m. Help your kids deck out their bikes, strollers or wagons in red, white and blue and join us for a parade around the park.
The Amarillo Symphony will take to the stage at 8:30 p.m. as excitement grows in anticipation of the fireworks. This concert will have something for everyone from Tcaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, to the music of Superman, to traditional patriotic marches by John Philip Sousa. The Amarillo Symphony’s performance, which will simulcast on KGNC FM 97.9 and KGNC AM, concludes with the spectacular fireworks display.
Please remember that the annual AGN Media July 4th Celebration offers an affordable and safe family-friendly environment for everyone to enjoy and even though Amarillo is not under the severe drought conditions as last year, temperatures have soared in the last few week and a wildfire broke out in Timbercreek Canyon just yesterday. Because of this, the City of Amarillo would like to remind everyone that fireworks are not permitted within the City limits. Violation of this City ordinance is punishable by fine up to $2,000.
For more information about the City’s fire code that addresses the possession of fireworks, visit www.amarillo.gov and click on the Municipal Code link on the bottom of the home page. For more information on the Amarillo Globe-News July 4th Celebration, visit http://amarillo.com/july4th.
FACT SHEET
When: Wednesday, July 4, 2012 beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Where: John S Stiff Memorial Park, Amarillo, Texas
What: The largest annual event in the Texas Panhandle, held since 1954, this year’s July 4th Fireworks Festival includes food, games, entertainment and a custom designed fireworks show. The Amarillo Symphony will perform a concert of patriotic numbers, including music that will be choreographed to a fireworks show produced by Western Enterprises.
Other: The event will feature food vendors, children’s rides and entertainment provided by local bands Beyond Country, AJ Swope and the Last Train Home and Casey Berry and the Live Texas Mosquitoes. Bell Helicopter will be flying in a civilian helicopter and give Amarillo citizens a chance to meet pilots of the V-22 Osprey. The Amarillo National Bank hot air balloon also will be on location.
NEW: A Kid’s Patriotic Bike Parade will kick off this year’s festivities. Registration begins at 4 p.m. and the Parade starts at 5 p.m. The half-mile route will be in John Stiff Memorial Park. Parents should enter at Bell and 48th Street when bringing their kids and their bikes to the park. Kids are encouraged to decorate their bikes, trikes and wagons. Photos will be uploaded to Facebook and the entries with the most “likes” will receive prizes. Kids on bikes and trikes are required to wear helmets and parents must sign a waiver to participate.
Sponsors: The title sponsor for the event is AGN Media. Other sponsors include Amarillo National Bank, Street Toyota, Bell Helicopter, BSA Healthcare Systems, Amarillo Symphony and City of Amarillo.
Parking: Onsite parking is provided in the north side of the park along 45th Street. Cost is $3 and all proceeds raised benefit the AMBUCS, an organization that purchases AmTrykes and other equipment for disabled children in theAmarilloarea.
Show Status: On the evening of July 4, the best ways to check for any delays or cancellations of the concert and fireworks show are to listen to KGNC (95.5 FM) or go to www.amarillo.com, the website of the Amarillo Globe-News.
About AGN Media: Founded in 1909, The Amarillo Globe-News is part of AGN Media, a company that includes the daily newspaper, Amarillo Magazine and amarillo.com and a host of other products. CONTACT: Les Simpson, Publisher, 806-345-3272.
About The Amarillo Symphony: Founded in 1924, the Amarillo Symphony consists of 85 skilled musicians who perform to more than 2,300 subscribers at seven concerts each year at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. CONTACT: Susan White, Executive Director, 806-376-8782.
About Western Enterprises: Based in Carrier, OK, Western Enterprises has provided fireworks for the Amarillo July 4th activities every year since the event’s beginning in 1954. CONTACT: Jim Burnette, President/CEO. 800-375-2204.
