See video from the Red, White & BOOM! fireworks display in Columbus
Thousands gather to watch the Red, White & BOOM! fireworks display in celebration of Independence Day in downtown Columbus.
- Red, White & BOOM! returns to downtown Columbus on July 3 for its 46th year.
- This year’s event on July 3 will feature specialty fireworks shells created for the nation’s semiquincentennial.
- The daylong festival includes live music, a parade honoring veterans, food vendors and family activities.
When the Midwest’s largest fireworks show returns to downtown Columbus on July 3, it won’t just celebrate Independence Day – it will help kick off America’s 250th birthday with specialty fireworks, live entertainment and one of central Ohio’s biggest annual traditions.
Now in its 46th year, Red, White & BOOM! has grown from a local fireworks display into a regional event that draws large crowds of visitors to downtown Columbus each summer.
This year’s celebration will feature special fireworks effects created to commemorate America’s semiquincentennial, along with a full day of live music, family activities, food vendors and the annual Ford Oval of Honor Parade.
“It’s really become kind of a Columbus homecoming,” co-executive director of Red, White & BOOM! Shawn Verhoff said. “A lot of people come home for the weekend, see family and it’s really become a family tradition.”
Here’s what to know before heading Downtown for the celebration.
What is Red, White & BOOM!?
Red, White & BOOM! began in 1981 and has been happening most years since, most of the time taking place on July 3 to leave July 4 open for surrounding communities to host their own Independence Day celebrations.
Organized by the nonprofit Red, White & BOOM! organization, the event is more than 90% privately funded through sponsorships and revenue generated during the festival, Verhoff said. It has grown into what organizers call the Midwest’s largest fireworks show, attracting visitors from across Ohio and beyond.
Verhoff said the event has evolved alongside downtown Columbus itself.
When he first became involved in 2000, much of the celebration centered around Civic Center Drive. Today, expanded riverfront parks and green space give visitors more room to spread out while still enjoying the festivities.
“Even though there’s 350,000 people down there, you can still walk around Downtown,” Verhoff said. “It’s not just a matter of coming down and being shoulder to shoulder with everybody.”
What’s new this year?
America’s 250th birthday is adding a few extra touches to this year’s fireworks show.
Verhoff said spectators can expect specialty fireworks shells designed specifically for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
“We’re going to put in some specialty shells this year,” he said. “Depending on your angle, you may actually see a lot more smiley faces and some other specialty product in the fireworks show.”
The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.
Entertainment schedule
Live entertainment begins at noon on the Bicentennial Park Stage and continues throughout the day before and after the fireworks finale.
Noon: Elaina Arthur
1:30 p.m.: Ben Zeff Blues Band
3 p.m.: School of Rock
4:30 p.m.: The Groove City Big Band
6 p.m.: Rock Paper Scissors
6:30 p.m.: Ford Oval of Honor Parade
7:30 p.m.: One Number Off
9 p.m.: Basement Bangers
10 p.m.: Fireworks
10:20 p.m.: Basement Bangers encore performance
More than just fireworks
While the fireworks are the day’s biggest attraction, Verhoff said the event has become a celebration of the entire Columbus community.
“I think the one thing that really stands out for me every year is that it’s truly a celebration of the entire community,” he said.
That diversity is perhaps most visible during the Ford Oval of Honor Parade, which honors 10 central Ohio veterans while featuring community organizations, dance teams, car clubs, bike clubs, elected officials and cultural groups from across the region.
“It’s really a celebration of the community,” Verhoff said.
Food, family fun and activities
Visitors can easily spend the entire day Downtown, Verhoff said.
“I’d come down early,” he said. “I’d eat both meals there.”
Food Truck Alley will return with a variety of local vendors, while the Donatos Family Fun Zone will offer inflatables and activities geared toward children.
VIP viewing areas
Guests looking for a premium experience can purchase access to one of the event’s VIP reserved areas.
VIP admission includes reserved viewing, complimentary food until 8 p.m. and beverages through the fireworks show.
Road closures and parking
Motorists should plan for significant traffic impacts leading up to the celebration.
Several Downtown streets will begin closing July 1 to accommodate event setup, with additional closures the afternoon of July 3 for the parade. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. July 3, roads throughout much of Downtown surrounding the fireworks zone will be closed until approximately midnight. Accessible parking will be available on portions of East 2nd Street and Gay Street.
A full list of road closures, parking information and the festival map is available at redwhiteandboom.org/festival-guide.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at [email protected].
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.dispatch.com ’
