COLUMBUS, Ohio – Changes are coming to the 35th annual Red, White & Boom fireworks show July 3rd, some of them by choice, some forced upon organizers who have made a virtue of necessity.
Over 400,000 people are expected to gather in downtown Columbus for what has become one of the largest and most recognizable fireworks displays in the Midwest.
The firework launch site returns to Genoa Park, east of COSI on the west bank of the Scioto River, after being located at Veterans Memorial since 2008, said executive producer Mike Collins at a news conference Tuesday. Veterans Memorial has been demolished as part of a riverfront renovation project.
Firework liaison Earl Burke says the north end of downtown will remain a good spot for watching the show, but Civic Center Drive and Bicentennial Park are now additional ideal viewing locations.
Two additions to the traditional festivities include Brews on Main, where local craft beers will be available on the Main Street side of Bicentennial Park.
Local musician Chris Jamison, best known for his run as a finalist on NBC’s “The Voice,” will be performing live on Bicentennial Stage and will also record the “Star-Spangled Banner” in the show’s soundtrack.