Independence Day events include two concerts, fireworks

Despite growing concerns about the economy, organizers of downstate Illinois’ largest July 4 fireworks show promise they are not scaling back plans this year, but will instead use the downturn to offer more options for holiday revelers.

“Methodist Stay & Play Fourth of July” is a new theme for the many events and entertainment surrounding the annual Independence Day celebration on the Peoria and East Peoria riverfront.
The new initiative aims not only to ensure attendance at the “Methodist Red, White & Boom” fireworks spectacular, but also to give an incentive for people to stay and play in the Peoria area in the weeks before and after July 4.

Mike Wild, JMP Radio Group senior vice-president and general manager, said   the economy is such that most families will not be traveling or taking vacations as frequently as they usually would.

“It’s not often you get an opportunity to enhance your event in this economy, but we think this a chance to stimulate it and keep local money here,” Wild said.

In addition to discounts on family friendly activities and services, such as deals at area restaurants, hotels and golf courses, the new campaign is offering more for holiday revelers to feast their eyes and ears upon.

On July 2 and 3, the Landing at the Riverfront will be the site of two live concerts.

Grand Funk Railroad, taking the stage July 2, is best known for its hits “We’re An American Band” and “Loco-Motion,” while the July 3 performance by Urbana-based Yonder Mountain String Band will include bluegrass and patriotic-inspired tunes.

Just ahead of the fireworks July 4, the Prairie Air Show will provide an hour-long display of airplane acrobatics over the Illinois River as a preview of the upcoming 2009 air show.

“It’s a unique set of seven performers people won’t see at our shows on July 10 through 12. I’m proud to be a part of the finest fireworks event in Central Illinois and especially tying into our show’s 25th anniversary,” Brett Krause, director of Prairie Air Show, said.

All entertainment will be free July 4 except for five-minute helicopter rides over Lake Peoria that will cost about $20.

For the first time, East Peoria will also offer a beer tent for attendants on that side of the river.
Peoria Chiefs president Rocky Vonachen said the Chiefs will play at O’Brien Field both July 4 and 7.

Vonachen added they plan to offer $5 tickets for anywhere in the stadium and people can stay there and watch the fireworks.

“It’s the first time we’ve had a home game on the 4th in a while. I think it’s a good value,” Vonachen said.

Wild said while organizers spent $77,000 last year on “Methodist Red, White & Boom,” there is no intention of cutting back spending this year.

“For the first time ever, we have not made a dollar commitment to Melrose Pyrotechnics by this point, but we already know we are spending more this year. There will be new effects and technology to enhance the show, which people haven’t seen in the past,” Wild said.

Wild added the Riverfront fireworks show ranked in the top 3 percent of July 4 events last year.
Michael Bryant, president and CEO of Methodist Medical Center, said with so much to choose from right here at home, there’s no reason to go anywhere else this summer.

“I think this moves us forward with the growth and continued revitalization of the Riverfront and sets up Central Illinois well into the future,” Bryant said.

For more information on the activities surrounding July 4 in East Peoria and Peoria, which will be continuously added to and updated, visit www.methodiststayandplay.com.

To purchase tickets to the concerts at Riverfront Landing July 2 and 3, stop into any Co-op Records location, call 800-594-TIXX, or visit www.riverfrontmusic.com.