RISMEDIA, June 29, 2007–In the midst of peak boating season, one of the most popular boating holidays of the year is on the horizon — July 4. Millions of Americans from coast-to-coast will search for the best spot to check out their local fireworks display. In its second annual effort to identify the leading combinations of these two American pastimes, Discover Boating — a national boating public awareness program? has identified 10 of the top destinations to view the country’s most elaborate fireworks displays from a boat.
“There are more than 73 million boaters in the U.S., many of which will mark the Fourth of July aboard a boat with friends and family,” said Carl Blackwell, vice president of marketing and communications for Discover Boating. “There’s been a trend over the last several years for cities to celebrate Independence Day on shorelines across the country, which has made watching fireworks from a boat more popular.”
Topping Discover Boating’s list of the “best viewed from a boat” fireworks display locations are:
— Austin, Texas: Marked by beautiful symphony music and a spectacular
fireworks display, Austin’s Town Lake is the place to be for this
annual celebration. Rent a kayak or bring your own boat to find the
best seat in the house on the water. (July 4, 9:30 p.m., Zilker Park)
— Chicago, Ill.: Join family and friends aboard a boat as the skies above
Lake Michigan and Chicago’s famous skyline are illuminated with
accompaniment from the Grant Park Orchestra and U.S. Air Force Singing
Sergeants. (July 4, 9 p.m., Grant Park)
— Los Angeles, Calif.: Enjoy a variety of live music and big booms over
the main channel in Marina Del Rey for free family fun and a patriotic
fireworks display. (July 4, 9 p.m., Marina Del Rey)
— Memphis, Tenn.: The Beale Street Fourth of July celebration is a
festive time with great food, live music that the city is famous for
and, of course, a thunderous grand finale of fireworks. Enjoy the
boisterous display on the mighty Mississippi as the fireworks burst
over Tom Lee Park. (July 4, 9 p.m., Tom Lee Park)
— Milwaukee, Wis.: Named Discover Boating’s “2006 Top City to Watch
Fourth of July Fireworks from a Boat,” Milwaukee’s annual Summerfest
hopes to help this fantastic fireworks display return to defend its
title. On July 3, thousands gather along the Lake Michigan shoreline to
watch the U.S. Bank fireworks show, but being aboard a boat for the
display provides an unmatched panoramic view. (July 3, 9:30 p.m.,
Veterans Park)
— Myrtle Beach, S.C.: With an entertainment megaplex featuring shops,
restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, miniature golf course, Ripley’s
Aquarium and a 23-acre lake, Broadway at the Beach is the place to be
for fireworks on the Fourth of July. (July 4, 10 p.m., Broadway at the
Beach over Lake Broadway)
— New York, N.Y.: With more than 35,000 pyrotechnic shells in a half-hour
display, Macy’s dazzles viewers each year with the nation’s biggest
birthday fireworks display. Fireworks are launched from two East River
locations, anchored in the East River is sure to be the best seat in
the house. (July 4, 9 p.m., East River between 23rd & 42nd Streets)
— Philadelphia, Penn.: In the city of our nation’s birth, July 4 is all
about history, music, fun and fireworks. After visiting the Liberty
Bell and Independence Mall, hop aboard a boat on the Delaware River to
view the flashes and booms of a roaring fireworks display as the City
of Brotherly Love shines in the background. (July 4, 8:30 p.m., along
the Delaware River)
— St. Paul, Minn.: St. Paul’s “Taste of Minnesota” is a six-day food and
music extravaganza at Harriet Island and is the perfect place for
family fun this Fourth of July. As the sun sets, hop aboard a boat to
watch the largest fireworks display in the Midwest over the Mississippi
River. (July 4, 10:20 p.m., Harriet Island)
— Tacoma, Wash.: Freedom Fair events cover two miles of the Ruston Way
waterfront on July 4. After the annual log boom competition, Tacoma
boaters anchor to end the day with the Tacoma Air Show and spectacular
Emerald Queen Grand Finale Fireworks Extravaganza. (July 4, 10 p.m.,
Ruston Way waterfront)
Visit http://www.DiscoverBoating.com to vote for your favorite city to view fireworks by boat, as well as to nominate cities for next year’s list.
Voting begins May 29 and concludes July 6. The winning city will be announced July 13 on DiscoverBoating.com.
