Patriotism is a subjective concept. Some may feel that accepting the status quo is the respectful thing to do, while others protest and seek change for their country. There’s been a lot of political conflict in the United States at large, and quite a bit of clashing locally as well. While I earnestly wish people would engage in more productive dialogue and less name calling, I’m grateful to live in a county that allows us our right to free speech.
The Fourth of July is upon us and I, for one, look forward to the celebrations each year. We have so much in common while we stand along the river or sit in a park with our faces pointed toward the sky to better view the fireworks pronouncing our freedom. Even visitors from other countries can experience that moment of unity.
New Orleans fetes the Fourth with its annual “Go 4th on the River” event. Scheduled for Tuesday, July 4, the celebration begins at 5:00 p.m. and the fireworks are set to launch at 9:00 p.m. It is a collaboration that includes multiple Mississippi riverfront locations and culminates in a synchronized fireworks show launched from two barges on the river.
"Having identical displays from two barges blocks away from each other makes this annual display so special," says J & M Displays Gulf Coast director David Spear. "Technology takes over as pairs of colorful fireworks shells are launched skyward to deliver entertaining three-dimensional floral designs that provide incredible visual stimuli along with a loud report of sound that reverberates between the skyscrapers of downtown New Orleans."
The display will feature hundreds of rapid-fire shells fired in a sweeping motion 200 feet above the Mississippi River, viewable from both the east and west banks of the river. Firework flowers will paint the sky with red peonies, white dahlias and blue chrysanthemums. Even a five-pointed star will make an appearance.
The fireworks are choreographed to patriotic music and this year the Riverfront Marketing Group will provide an iPhone and Android app that allows viewers to hear the show music in real time in sync to the fireworks. To download the app, visit www.Go4thontheRiver.com.
At Crescent Park starting at 5:00 p.m., the French Market District will feature free live performances by Category 6, Revival, DJs Eagle and Majik Mike and the Pan Vibrations. Plan to bring chairs for the show, but be advised that coolers, glass, and tents are not allowed. Visit www.FrenchMarket.org for further details.
Scheduled for 6:00 p.m. and then again leading up to the 9:00 p.m. fireworks display, the Port of New Orleans’ fireboat General Roy S. Kelley will launch its water show with arcing plumes of red, white and blue water fired from its water cannons.
"Go 4th on the River is a cherished celebration, and we are grateful to our sponsors who help us produce it for the City, our tourists and locals," says Adrienne Thomas, treasurer of the Riverfront Marketing Group. "Next year we hope to incorporate the New Orleans Tricentennial into our patriotic celebration."
And while we’re talking patriotism, remember to wish our neighbors to the north a “Happy Canada Day” on July 1.
