Fair Park Fourth will razzle, dazzle and delight Dallasites on Monday, July 4, 2011, from 4:30 – 10 p.m. at historic Fair Park (1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd). Presented by Friends of Fair Park, the free event is the City of Dallas’ official Independence Day celebration. It's an evening of fun, food and fireworks.
Family-fun highlights will include free and reduced admission to Fair Park’s eight museums (from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.), musical performances including a patriotic concert by the acclaimed Dallas Wind Symphony, “dancing water” shows choreographed to music at the Esplanade Fountain, plus a gold-star/”over-the-bowl” fireworks show sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers. Recommended seating for fireworks viewing will be inside the Cotton Bowl. KLUV 98.7 will simulcast the fireworks music. Strollers are not permitted inside the Cotton Bowl. Enter Cotton Bowl at Gate D. Handicap entrance is at Gate B.)
Museum Fun
Visitors can begin their day by cooling off and browsing Fair Park’s eight museums. The following museums will be open free of charge from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Music
The seven-time Grammy-nominated Stefani Little Band will perform from 7 – 7:45 p.m., followed by the Grammy-nominated Dallas Wind Symphony performing its beloved “Red, White and Blue Concert” at 8 p.m. in front of the Hall of State. Musical highlights of the Dallas Wind Symphony’s performance will include patriotic favorites America the Beautiful, The Star-Spangled Banner, the Washington Post March, A Salute to America's Veterans and more. The Dallas Wind Symphony will be under the director of guest conductor Nicholas Williams, who leads the University of North Texas’ Mean Green Brigade.
Esplanade Fountain Shows
“Dancing water” shows at the Bellagio-style Esplanade Fountain will run at 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. The show is choreographed to four songs: Stars and Stripes Forever, Over the Rainbow, Yellow Rose of Texas, and Aaron Copland’s popular Hoedown from his iconic Rodeo. Visitors will recognize it -- it's one of the greatest orchestral pieces of work and quite popular in TV commercials.
Safety Requests
For the safety of Fair Park visitors and to protect the fountain mechanisms, wading and swimming are not allowed at any time in the Esplanade Fountain. For another aquatic experience, the Swan Boats will be available for $10 per boat (cash only).
Fireworks Display
The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. and will be coordinated by Pyrotechnico. Gate D will open for the general public at 7:30 p.m. and will be the only entrance to the Cotton Bowl. (The handicap entrance will be located at Gate B.) NOTE: Strollers are NOT permitted insided the Cotton Bowl. Visitors also may sit throughout the Fair Park grounds. The event closes at 10 p.m.
Food/Pinic
Bring a hearty appetite because there will be plenty of July 4th favorites will be for sale including corn dogs, hot dogs, chicken fingers, fries, ice cream novelties, snow cones, nachos, Dr Pepper products and beer products. Guests can bring their own picnic.
Sponsors
Dr Pepper Snapple Group Fair Park Fourth is hosted by Friends of Fair Park, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Other sponsors are Gold Metal Recyclers, MetroPCS, Baylor Healthcare Systems, Encore Wire and Statewide Remodeling. Local media partners are WFAA, Univision 23, Al Dia, The Greensheet, 98.7 KLUV, 90.9 KCBI, 97.9 The Beat, 94.5 K-Soul, 107.9 La Kalle, and 1270 AM La Voz del Pueblo.
Admission
Admission is free. The City of Dallas charges $10 for parking within the gates of Fair Park. You can ride DART’s Green Line Rail to the Fair Park Station. Parking is available at Gates 2, 5, 6, 10 and 11. Handicap parking is available at Gate 5.
FYI:
Strollers, coolers or pets are not permitted inside the Cotton Bowl. Alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, fireworks or firearms are not permitted on Fair Park grounds.
