In with a bang
July 4 event celebrates the United States of America
This July Fourth will mark the 35th annual Pops on the River, from 3-10 p.m. presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The event will take place in the River Market area and at the First Security Bank Amphitheater in downtown Little Rock. Pops will feature a variety of activities for visitors, including music, family fun, and overall appreciation and celebration for the country’s independence. The event will include free activities for children in the Kids Pavilions, sponsored by Arkansas Children’s; a marketplace for shopping; food trucks; and entertainment. Amanda Copley, marketing and events director for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, said she hopes the event provides enjoyment for everybody and stays true to its traditions. “Now in its 35th year, this traditional event continues to be a free family-friendly festival with something for everyone,” she said. “This year, we have a lot of variety in our marketplace and new food vendors, too.” A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes. Pops on the River is also sponsored in part by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Children’s, The Ride 106.7, Waste Management and the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.
FESTIVITIES
Activities in the Kids Pavilion will take place from 3-8 p.m. There will be free bounce houses and many more activities. The Arkansas Girl Scouts, ACANSA and Junior League of Little Rock will provide a kids crafting area.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will have its new mascot, Danger, at the event. Danger shows all the things kids and adults shouldn’t do while boating. The lessons he presents help keep everyone safe while boating. Danger will be in the dunking booth, so everyone can enjoy dunking him.
MILITARY
Pops on the River will continue its Military Appreciation Program, during which all military personnel — active and retired members and reservists — can receive special discounts and promotions during and after the event. Military members will need to check in at the gate for registration. They will receive a Military Appreciation Discount Card for themselves and their families. This card will provide special deals, including discounts on food and refreshments, at the event. Starting at 5 p.m., the first 100 military members who request a reserved seat in the amphitheater for the concert that evening will get assigned seating for free. At one point during the night, attendees and event participants will take a moment to recognize members of their respective branch in the military and give an Armed Forces Salute with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Active and retired members of the military will be asked to stand and be recognized during the event.
MUSIC
Shawn Reed of 106.7 The Ride will be the master of ceremonies for the main stage. Reed started in radio as a promotions intern in his hometown of Milwaukee back in the fall of 2000. He enjoys getting out into the community to interact with listeners. Since arriving in Little Rock, Reed has wasted no time getting to know The Natural State. Weekend adventures to Petit Jean State Park, trips to Fayetteville to call the Hogs and finding the best spot for a cup of coffee are all parts of Reed’s experiences in his nearly two-year run here in town. In addition to his love of running and sports, Reed has a huge spot in his heart devoted to area four-legged friends. Just a few months after his arrival in central Arkansas, he helped start up Wet-Nosed Wednesdays, a weekly video posted to social media spotlighting an adoptable pet at the Little Rock Animal Village. Listeners can hear Reed from 2-7 p.m. weekdays on 106.7 The Ride. Musical acts include Kemistri, featuring Nicky Parrish; The Big Dam Horns; and the evening’s finale, a performance by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Philip Mann.
FIREWORKS
Along with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, celebrate the nation’s independence with the Pops on the River Fireworks finale over the Arkansas River. This year’s show will include Rainbow Bridge barrage units, which form a rainbow of colors in the sky that are reflected in the river below. This year’s fireworks display is sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.