ShopKo Fireworks an Independence Day Tradition in Green Bay

GREEN BAY , Wis.
June 15, 2006

Green Bay, WI – The Celebrate Americafest committee has announced the schedule for the 4th of July festivities in Downtown Green Bay featuring the ShopKo Fireworks display—the largest in Northeast Wisconsin.

There are changes and improvements to this year’s event, including the creation of a ticketed VIP reserved seating area, providing folding chairs, VIP only restrooms, beverage area, and a guaranteed great view of the fireworks display. These reserved seats will be located on the Leicht Memorial Park grounds and can be purchased in advance for $10. The festival will also include new children’s activities, as well as six stages of entertainment, leading up to the spectacular ShopKo Fireworks at dusk.

“We are delighted to continue our longstanding and successful community partnership with ShopKo in providing the best and largest Fourth of July fireworks display in Northeast Wisconsin,” said ShopKo Fireworks Celebrate Americafest Board Member Katie Green. “The day’s events celebrate the spirit and pride of America, while honoring those who have served and continue to serve our country in the armed forces.”

The festival kicks off with an Old Fashioned 4th of July Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. as local patriots and officials gather to ring the beautiful Liberty Bell replica on the Brown County Courthouse lawn, 100 S. Jefferson Street. Balloons, treats, and other patriotic materials will be given to all attending the Old Fashioned 4th of July Kick-Off Ceremony.

This ceremony will be followed by a special Veteran’s Salute at the West Side WNCY stage, at Dousman Street and Museum Place, from 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Veteran’s Salute honors all those who have served our country fighting for freedom, and invites service men and women, past and present, as well as our local everyday police and fire-fighting heroes to the special ceremony.

The day-long festivities continue along the Ray Nitschke Bridge, on both the east and west sides of the Fox River, with six stages featuring a wide variety of entertainment and fantastic food. Some of the bands booked for the event include Fahrenheit 420, Big Mouth, Johnny Wad, Blue Cats, Nashville Pipeline, ANNEX, the Allouez Village Band and more (see full schedule below).
Children’s activities from 1:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. include performances by Randy Peterson, The Bassmeister and Mr. Billy on the Prevea WZBY The Bay Children’s Stage located this year at the Neville Public Museum parking lot. An exciting firefighter’s competition will be held 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on Main Street and two “Wisconsin Road Trip” water ski shows by the Waterboard Warriors will take place at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the Fox River between Walnut and Main Streets.

The Neville Public Museum will offer a special discounted admission fee of $1 per person (age 5 and under free) to experience six fascinating exhibits including “Say Cheese! The Story of Wisconsin Cheese”, “Green Bay Replay,” a hands-on “Kids Discovery Room” and more.

The day culminates with a spectacular fireworks display presented by ShopKo at dusk. The public is advised that Green Bay bridges will not be lifted for any pleasure craft between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on July 4th.

Free (unlimited time) public parking will be available in all downtown parking lots and streets not being used for the event.

Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and the whole family—and plan to join the Independence Day celebration in Downtown Green Bay.

A complete schedule of festivities and VIP ticket information can be found at www.celebrateamericafest.com.

More information about Celebrate Americafest’s new
VIP seating option

An area of pre-set chairs will be made available in the new Leicht Memorial Park for VIP Preferred Seating during this year’s ShopKo Fireworks Celebrate Americafest. Tickets provide for a folding chair, guaranteed seating location to view the fireworks, VIP-only restroom facilities, and VIP-only beverage concession.

VIP seats are $10 each, children ages one and under free when sitting on a lap. Space is limited and tickets may be purchased in advance online via www.celebrateamericafest.com or by phone at 1-800-325-SEAT (7328).

Those wishing to book an overnight stay with their VIP tickets may do so at the Packer Country Visitor and Convention Bureau’s website, www.packercountry.com.

Official Schedule of Events

Kick-Off Events (Location: Brown County Courthouse)
1:00 - 1:30 p.m.: Old Fashioned 4th of July Ceremony, ringing of the Liberty Bell

Regency Suites WIXX Stage (Location: Main Street East Side area)
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Fahrenheit 420 (Current Rock)
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.: Big Mouth (R&B, Funk and Soul)

Days Inn Stage (Location: Washington Way & Main Street)
12:00 – 4:30 p.m.: Blue Cats (Blues)
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Separate Ways (Rock)
7:30 – 11:00 p.m. Johnny Wad (Rock)

West Side WNCY Stage (Location: Intersection of Dousman & Museum Place)
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.: Allouez Village Band (Standards, Patriotic)
1:45 – 2:30 p.m.: Veteran’s Salute
2:30 – 3:00 p.m.: Allouez Village Band featuring the
Regency Singers (Standards, Patriotic)
3:30 – 6:00 p.m.: Toyboxx (Pop and Country)
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.: Nashville Pipeline (Country Rock)

Prevea WZBY The Bay Children‘s Stage (Location: Neville Public Museum Parking Lot)
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.: Randy Peterson (Kids)
2:00 – 2:30 p.m.: The Bassmeister (Comedy, Variety)
2:45 – 3:30 p.m.: Mr. Billy (Kids)
3:45 – 4:30 p.m.: Randy Peterson (Kids)
4:45 – 5:15 p.m.: The Bassmeister (Comedy, Variety)
5:30 – 6:15 p.m.: Mr. Billy (Kids)
6:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Randy Peterson (Kids)
7:15 – 7:45 p.m.: The Bassmeister (Comedy, Variety)

Black Label Promotions WOZZ Stage (Location: Adams Street between the KI Convention Center and Holiday Inn City Center)
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.: DIVA & The Dogs (Rock)
2:30 - 3:45 p.m.: Higher Ground (Rock)
4:15 - 5:30 p.m.: Circle of Fifths (Rock)
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.: Fine Line (Rock)
8:00 - 9:30 p.m.: ANNEX (Rock)

Fox River Stage (Location: On the water between Main Street and Walnut Street)
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Waterboard Warriors present "Wisconsin Road Trip"
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Waterboard Warriors present "Wisconsin Road Trip"

Additional Event (Location: Main Street just west of Madison Street)
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Firefighters Competition

For more information on events and activities in Packer Country, visit www.packercountry.com.

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Packer Country Visitor & Convention Bureau is the regional destination marketing organization committed to improving the visitor experience and increasing the economic impact of tourism to its communities. For more information call 888-867-3342 or visit us online at www.packercountry.com.