• City of Toledo Independence Day
  Fireworks Rescheduled to July 3

  Host of New Activities Planned for
  The Blade’s Red, White, KABOOM Weekend

  TOLEDO, Ohio, May 1, 2011 – With Independence Day falling on a Monday this year, The Blade announces a change in schedule for its much lauded Red, White, KABOOM fireworks display.

• Traditionally launched skyward on July fourth, the fire-over-the-river extravaganza will take place this year on July third, so attendees don’t have to balance a late-night downtown with a morning-after work day.

• Support from numerous sponsors, Taylor Automotive, Humana, Mercy and Dashing Pacific has allowed The Blade to offer expanded activities over the course of the July 1-3 weekend, located on both sides of the river at Promenade and International parks.

• For food, there will be the ever-popular Taste Toledo booths near Promenade Park, featuring tasty fare from over a dozen popular
  Toledo-area eateries. 

• For music, there will be the fiercely competitive and rocking semifinalists from The Blade 4th Annual Battle of the Bands, appearing on the Promenade Park stage all three afternoons. Friday’s evening performance is Frontiers (a Journey tribute band).

• Saturday night features Martha Reeves & the Vandellas.  Sunday has Alexander Zonjic & Friends before the fireworks.  The fireworks are done by world renowned Zambelli and are set to music simulcast on WXKR 94.5.

• A full complement of other activities ensures a fun time for any age and any personality. At International Park, visitors can choose to enjoy the alcohol-free Family/Kid Zone, featuring many family-friendly activities.  See schedule below for specific events and times.
  
  
• The fun doesn’t stop there. Across the Maumee at Promenade Park, visitors can have their photo taken free at The Blade Photo Booth; view and purchase art and crafts offered by the Toledo Arts Commission; cheer on their favorite models during the semifinals of Runway Rivalry on the Promenade Park stage, July 2; and enjoy an Air Force flyover as it rattle the skies overhead on Saturday July 2 at 12:15pm.
  
  
• New this year!! The first annual 5k Heroes Run and 1k Walk, taking place through downtown Toledo’s streets Saturday morning, July 2. A portion of the proceeds will go to “Heroes in Action,” a military support outreach group that provides financial assistance, communications, care packages and encouragement to both current and former service members and their families. An awards ceremony and after-party celebrating the winners in each category will be held in Promenade Park following the event. For further information, race categories or registration go to: toledoblade.com/heroesrun.
  
  
• A nominal admission fee of $3 per adult (12 and over) is charged to enter Red, White, KABOOM after 4:00 p.m. on each of the three nights to help cover the cost of security and the otherwise free entertainment. The fee covers admittance to both Promenade and International parks. 
  
  See event schedule below for further details:
  
  

Taste Toledo
Battle of the Bands
Harley Davidson Fashion Show
“Frontiers” (Journey tribute band)
Admission:

Noon - 12:00am
12:30pm - 7:30pm
7:45pm - 8:15pm
9:00pm - 11:00pm
Noon - 4:00pm: FREE
After 4:00pm:  $3 per Adult
(12 and older)

Heroes Run/Walk
Taste Toledo
U.S. Navy Cruisers
Battle of Bands
Runway Rivalry
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
Admission:

10:30am
Noon - 12:00am
12:30pm - 2:00pm
3:00pm - 8:00pm
8:15pm - 9:00 pm
9:45pm - 11:00pm
Noon - 4:00pm: FREE
After 4:00pm:  $3 per Adult
(12 and older) 

Taste Toledo
Battle of Bands
Steel Heads (steel drum orchestra)
Universal Expression (funky reggae)
Alexander Zonjic & Friends
Fireworks
Admission:

Noon - 11:00pm
Noon - 3:00pm
3:30pm - 5:00pm
5:30pm - 6:30pm
7:00pm - 8:30pm
10:15pm
Noon – 4:00pm:  FREE
After 4:00pm:  $3 per Adult
(12 and older)
Active Duty Military: FREE

International Park events include: an alcohol-free Kids Zone with amusement rides and concessions, Saturday & Sunday, noon – 8pm; the Toledo’s Top Talent Show, Saturday & Sunday, 6 – 8pm; the second annual Weiner Dog Races, Saturday & Sunday, 12:30 – 3:30pm; and a “Challenge” dodge-ball tournament, Friday, 6-8pm, featuring teams from the military, police, fire, media, the mayor’s office and local companies.