June 19, 2009

City of Phoenix Set to Celebrate Independence Day with Fireworks, Festivals

Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix 4th will cap off the city of Phoenix’s Independence Day celebrations in 2009. Festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. on July 4 at Steele Indian School Park, 3rd Street and Indian School Road in central Phoenix.

Entertainment on the event’s three stages will begin at 6 p.m. and the fireworks display, one of the biggest in the Southwest, will take to the sky at 9:20 p.m.  Information on the city’s free Independence Day celebrations, including Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix 4th, is available online at phoenix.gov/parks. Fabulous Phoenix 4th information is available by phone at 602-534-FEST.

For the first time, visitors can use METRO light rail to get to the Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix 4th. By taking light rail, visitors can avoid parking hassles and traffic around the park. In addition to the park-and-ride lots, visitors also can catch the rail from downtown Phoenix, where on-street parking will be free.

There are crowds expected on light rail on event day.  To avoid lines at fare vending machines, riders can buy pre-validated July 4th all-day passes online for $2.50 until Saturday, June 27 or they can pick up this special pass in person at Central Station and the Tempe Transportation Center through Friday, July 3. Online sales will be mailed to the recipient. 

Central Station at Central Avenue and Van Buren is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tempe Transportation Center at Fifth Street and Forest Avenue is open Monday - Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. All-day passes are $2.50 through June; those sold on or after July 1 will cost $3.50. Riders can purchase passes and find comprehensive METRO light rail information online at metrolightrail.org.

Visitors will have plenty of ways to keep cool at the 2009 event, which will feature a giant misting area, in addition to the Phoenix Fire Department’s Water Spray Zone. The event also will feature a Classic Car exhibit, free kids inflatable rides, plenty of food and beverage vendors and of course a staggering fireworks display.

Before July 4, area residents will have three other opportunities to celebrate the country’s independence at several free, community-based events.

• Friday June 26, 7 to 9 p.m.
  42nd Annual Firecracker Softball Tournament
  Rose Mofford Sports Complex, 9833 N. 25th Ave.

Celebrants can catch the fireworks on the opening night of this annual, regional softball tournament. This family event also features free ice cream, mascots and great amateur softball. Games are from 7 - 9 p.m., with the fireworks display at 9 p.m. More information is available by calling 602-262-6483.

• Saturday, June 27, 7 to 9 p.m.
  After Dark in the Park
  Deer Valley Park, 19602 N. 19th Ave.

Visitors can enjoy music, have fun on the inflatables and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display that begins at 8:45 pm. More information is available by calling 602-495-3735.

• Friday, July 3, 7 to 9 p.m.
  Light Up the Sky, 7 to 9 p.m.
  Maryvale Baseball Park, 3600 N. 51st Ave.

At this free event families will enjoy games, information booths, food and of course a grand display of colorful fireworks that begins at 8:40 p.m.. Visitors also can purchase food and beverages. More information is available by calling 602-262-6575.

The city’s fireworks displays, all free admission, were made possible with the generous financial support of sponsors that include the Freedom Wireless Foundation; the Milwaukee Brewers; Your Arizona Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Dealers; Radio Campesina; the John F. Long Foundation; and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Tournament participant fees make the Firecracker Sports Festival fireworks display possible.

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