FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Debra L. Bresler, Coordinator,
985.630.4604

GO 4TH ON THE RIVER


Come down to the banks of the historic New Orleans Riverfront to celebrate Independence Day with the FREE Dueling Barges Fireworks Show at 9:00 p.m. on July 4th! This year's celebration is presented by Versabar, Zito Companies, The Westin New Orleans Canal Place, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, The Berger Company, New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, T.T. Coatings, and Valero Energy Foundation, plus more than twenty other community sponsors. The spectacular fireworks display can be seen from the East and West Banks of the River from the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk to Crescent Park at French Market.

This year's display, which is choreographed to patriotic music, will feature Barrage Batteries of hundreds of rapid-fire shells fired in a sweeping motion several times at heights of 200 feet above the Mississippi River. During the main body of the display and during the thunderous grand finale, massive bursts of red peonies, white dahlias, and blue chrysanthemums will fill the sky. At one point during Neil Diamond's America, large red, white, and blue stars will take center stage as they create a unique five-pointed star in the dark sky. All the other colors of the rainbow will be displayed as well, along with silver and gold.

"Having identical displays from two barges blocks away from each other makes this annual display so special," says J & M Displays Gulf Coast Director David Spear. "Technology takes over as pairs of colorful fireworks shells are launched skyward to deliver entertaining three-dimensional floral designs that provide incredible visual stimuli along with a loud report of sound that reverberates between the skyscrapers of downtown New Orleans."

This year the Riverfront Marketing Group through J & M Displays will provide an iPhone and Android app that will allow anyone who downloads the app to hear the show music in real time in sync to the fireworks. Go to Go4thontheRiver.com and scan the QR code.

At 5:00 p.m. in Crescent Park the French Market District will feature free live performances by Category 6, Revival, DJs Eagle and Majik Mike and the Pan Vibrations leading up to the 9:00 p.m. Dueling Barges Fireworks Show. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs to enjoy the show. (Coolers, glass, and tents are not allowed.) Visit www.FrenchMarket.org for schedule details.

The French Market District will also present the second annual Fireworks Photography Workshop with Zack Smith Photography in Crescent Park. Participants are guaranteed a VIP riverfront viewing area to photograph the 9:00 p.m. fireworks show and learn about unique techniques to get the best photos ever! Register at www.ZackSmith.com.

The Fireboat General Roy S. Kelley is a working emergency response vessel operated by the Port of New Orleans. Built in 1994 and routinely maintained, the fireboat can be seen patrolling the Mississippi River within the Port's three-parish jurisdiction (Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard. The General Kelley is 95 ft. long and 16 ft. wide with a 7 ft. draft. It seats 24 and typically has a crew of three.

"Go 4th on the River is a cherished celebration, and we are grateful to our sponsors who help us produce it for the City, our tourists, and locals," says Adrienne Thomas, Treasurer of the Riverfront Marketing Group. "Next year we hope to incorporate the New Orleans Tricentennial into our patriotic celebration."
Ample parking is available at the JAX Brewery Parking Lot, the Garage at Canal Place, and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
For valuable coupon offers, including special Fourth of July hotel room rates, log on to Go4thontheRiver.com.

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