4th of July fireworks show announced for downtown Indy
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Fourth of July fireworks will light up the downtown sky once again this year after COVID-19 restrictions canceled last year’s show, officials with Downtown Indy said on Friday.
The show is scheduled for 10 p.m. July 4. Fireworks will be launched from atop the seven-story 500 North Meridian office building. About 21 minutes of fireworks will be synced to patriotic music aired on radio stations B105.7 and 97.1 Hank FM.
“To be able to have the Fourth of July fireworks in the center of our urban core, a communal gather space of our downtown, that speaks a lot about our recovery,” said Bob Schultz, senior vice president of marketing and communications for Downtown Indy, Inc.
Regions Tower had previously been the host location for the Downtown Freedom Fest for more than 50 years, but this year a new launch site was chosen due to residential development in the area.
In 2020, officials cited social distancing and coronavirus concerns along with “deployment of financial resources” as the main reasons for the cancelation of the downtown fireworks. This year, only Freedom Fest is canceled again to help keep a large crowd from gathering.
Nick Lake and his young daughter Elsa missed the show last year.
“It wasn’t the same,” Nick said.
They are thrilled their tradition can continue this year.
“We’re just really happy to have it back,” Nick said. “July Fourth is obviously the most important holiday of the year to a lot of people especially during these times so we’re really happy to celebrate again.”
Statements
“This is great news for our community as we continue the #BackDowntownIndy campaign. Clearly, Downtown’s recovery has been our primary focus to reengage residents and visitors to the vibrancy of our urban core. Working with Visit Indy and city leaders have brought us to this moment. Fireworks on the Fourth in the heart of Downtown for all to enjoy is the perfect summer event that folks can enjoy in safe, socially distanced spaces and places around Downtown.”
“Due to fire safety ordinances, a safe ‘fall-out’ perimeter is required that is free of residences and hotels and other similar spaces, including homeless shelters and jails. Additionally, shooting off large scale, aerial fireworks should also be a safe audible distance from our beloved Zoo and the animals in their care. Fortunately, our friends at Stenz Corp. came through and offered the 500 North Meridian building, which they manage.”
Sherry Seiwert, president of Downtown Indy Inc.
“We are excited to bring back one of our treasured July 4 traditions. This year, we can celebrate our country’s independence, our city’s bicentennial, and our continued comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic, powered by more and more residents choosing to get vaccinated.”
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett
“As more people become vaccinated, we know there’s growing demand for visitors to travel with friends and family. Having a long, holiday weekend that includes Indiana’s biggest and best fireworks will give visitors another reason to visit Indy.”
Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy