U Weekly. Serving The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio

Columbus goes boom, boom, boom!

By Sean Lehosit

For the 29th year in a row, downtown Columbus, Ohio will welcome visitors to Red, White & BOOM! This Fourth of July celebration has been a main attraction to thousands of men, women, and children for years now, gathering more than 250,000 onlookers in the past who flock into the State's capital in appreciation of the firework display, which lasts an estimated 23 minutes. Since its inception in 1981, it has become a household event for many families.

In 2008, the launch site for the fireworks was moved behind the Veteran's Memorial during the advent of the Scioto Mile Project. Red, White, and Boom organizers recommend Battelle Park, Genoa Park, Washington Boulevard, Nationwide Boulevard, and Long Street as great places to watch the fireworks.

The newly located Clippers Stadium is sure to be a new and exciting venue to view the fireworks, especially since Bicentennial Park is no longer available due to heavy construction.

According to Lindsey Weiker from Promotions One, Inc. the fireworks launch at three different locations, giving the display three different levels: the bike path, ground level and the top of Veterans Memorial.

For many spectators, finding the best possible vantage point is the key, some even go out scouting for spots a week ahead.

"I drove around the top of the Arena Grand parking garage one night and saw that it would be a clear view and made a map to show friends about why that might be a good area to watch the fireworks," said Hope Moore, a recent OSU graduate. "I drew triangles in Google Maps to show the viewing range based on the description of where the fireworks are supposed to be fired."

The massive fireworks display won't be the only reason to make the trip downtown. There is an entire day of activities planned for this citywide celebration starting as early as 10 a.m. and going far into the night. Even after the last firework diminishes, entertainment is scheduled to resume on three of the stages and COTA will be providing extended services.

"The event has a number of elements. There is stuff for everyone. We have four stages of entertainment lined with local, regional and national acts. [We have] Children's Park, where there will be activities for kids, inflatables, nutritional snacks, informational wristbands. Long Street and Washington Boulevard will be full of food and novelty vendors [and] Nationwide Boulevard will also have food vendors and local restaurants; there will [even] be a parade at 6 p.m." said Weiker.

The parade Weiker mentioned is the AEP Independence Parade, which this year will have celebrity Mario Lopez involved. Lopez is best known for his roles in "Saved By The Bell," "Extra," and "Dancing With The Stars."

"We have a national act, Love and Theft, at the Taste of BOOM! Stage at 8:15 p.m. Love and Theft, [is] a new band out of Nashville consisting of three incredibly talented singer/songwriters coming together blending rich harmonies over powerful, inspiring profound and infectiously catchy songs."

"Eric Gunderson, Stephen Barker Liles and Brian Bandas each take turns singing lead over tasteful organic arrangements. Their live shows are captivating and the deep sonic wave of fullness that comes from their passionate and expressive voices in full harmony is just amazing. Love and Theft are currently working on their debut album with multi-platinum producers Jeff Coplan and Robert Ellis Orrall," continued Weiker.

Red, White, and Boom will be on Friday, July 3. More information about parking and COTA routes can be found on its website: www.redwhiteandboom.org.

Originally Published: July 1, 2009

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