Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Jonesboro is preparing for one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in its history.
Jonesboro Media Group and KAIT announced today that the annual Freedom Fest fireworks celebration will move to the Arkansas State University campus for America 250 Freedom Fest on Saturday, July 4.
The event has previously been held at the Southside Softball Complex. Organizers said the move allows for a larger celebration across campus, allowing for multiple events.
“This isn’t simply a new location. It’s a new chapter for one of Northeast Arkansas’ most cherished traditions,” said Trey Stafford, President and General Manager of Jonesboro Media Group. “America only turns 250 once. We wanted to create a celebration worthy of that milestone, and Arkansas State University gives us the opportunity to bring together some special events along with the largest fireworks display we’ve ever presented.”
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The fireworks show will begin around 9:30 p.m. and be synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack broadcast live on 104.9 The Fox, 100.5 The Eagle, Mix 106.3, Hot 107.5, 98.5 The Outlaw and EZ 92.7.
Public viewing areas will include parking lots surrounding Centennial Bank Stadium, Tomlinson Stadium, First National Bank Arena and adjacent campus facilities.
The fireworks budget has been increased by approximately 30 percent compared to last year’s show, organizers said.
“For four decades, our company and its predecessor entities have sponsored community fireworks celebrations, first in Paragould and now in Jonesboro,” Stafford said. “We’ve spent forty years learning what creates a great fireworks experience. We take fireworks seriously. This year’s show represents the largest investment we’ve ever made and will be unlike anything we’ve produced before.”
University leadership, community partners, and local government helped make the move to the A-State campus possible. Organizers thanked Craig Rickert and the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission for helping to bring various groups together to make A-State the center of the celebration.
“Craig Rickert and the Advertising and Promotion Commission recognized the unique opportunity that America’s 250th birthday presents for our community,” Stafford said. “Their leadership helped bring together partners from across Jonesboro to create a true community-wide celebration.”
Several activities are planned across campus throughout the afternoon and evening.
An outdoor America 250 Show & Shine car show is scheduled near First National Bank Arena, set to begin at 4 p.m. The show will include classic cars, trucks, Jeeps, race cars, and other specialty vehicles.
Other activities, such as a cornhole tournament, are also planned at First National Bank Arena, with more details to be released in the coming weeks, organizers said.
Leading to the fireworks display, the Delta Symphony Orchestra will present the annual Independence Day Concert at 7 p.m. in the Fowler Center, located at 201 Olympic Drive.
For those wanting a bite to eat while engaging in the festivities, food trucks will be scattered across portions of the parking areas, and additionally, concession stands and restrooms will be open in First National Bank Arena.
Hedges Portable Toilets will also be positioned throughout viewing areas. The Jonesboro Police Department and Arkansas State University Police Department will be coordinating security.
“We greatly appreciate the support of Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott, Arkansas State University Police Chief Randy Martin, and their officers,” Stafford said. “Safety remains our highest priority as we welcome thousands of families to celebrate together.”
Personal fireworks will not be permitted anywhere on university property.
“Because of the scale of this event and the professional pyrotechnics involved, personal fireworks are strictly prohibited on campus,” Stafford said. “Individuals found using personal fireworks should expect enforcement action, including possible arrest.”
The fireworks production will once again be handled by Premier Pyrotechnics.
Pyrotechnician Scott Berry will oversee setup and firing operations for the eleventh consecutive year in Jonesboro, while the show will be coordinated by fireworks designer Casey Helfrich.
“Scott and Casey are among the very best in the business,” Stafford said. “The audience sees the spectacular finale, but behind the scenes there are months of planning and thousands of details that go into producing a show of this magnitude.”
Hatton Weeks, Vice President and General Manager of KAIT, said the partnership between KAIT and Jonesboro Media Group continues because of a shared commitment to Northeast Arkansas.
“Freedom Fest has become one of the signature events of the year for our region,” Weeks said. “We’re honored to partner with Jonesboro Media Group to help bring this celebration to life and to commemorate America’s 250th birthday with a truly special event.”
The event is made possible through the support of community sponsors including All Clean Restoration Service, Arvest Bank, Barton’s, Hytrol Conveyor, Parish Automotive and DNW. The massive America 250 Grand Finale is being sponsored by Tommy’s Express Car Wash.
“Events of this scale simply don’t happen without community support,” Stafford said. “Our sponsors understand the importance of bringing people together to celebrate our country, our freedoms and our community. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment.”
America 250 Freedom Fest is free and open to the public. Additional event information will be announced soon.
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