WHITE & BOOM
Going to the celebration? Here’s what you need to know
It’s taken two years, but the organizers of one of Greater Columbus’ signature events are ready to celebrate its 40th anniversary. ● On Friday, the Independence Day celebration and fireworks show Red, White & Boom will be held for the 40th time — an anniversary the event would have reached in 2020 had the pandemic not caused it to be canceled that year and again in 2021. ● “We’ve been saying for the last three years that we’re 39 and holding,” said co-executive director Shawn Verhoff. “We’re finally celebrating our 40th, and it’s just great to be back.” ● Here is an overview of what to see, how to see it and what’s new at the perennial Independence Day favorite.
Red, White & Boom: The fun starts at 11 a.m. Although Red, White & Boom is synonymous with its fireworks display, the fun begins far earlier in the day, with most events and activities concentrated around the Scioto riverfront Downtown.
The Boom! Street Festival, boasting more than 100 vendors offering things to snack on or sip, opens at 11 a.m. on Civic Center Drive and Long Street.
Live entertainment begins an hour later, at noon. Two stages will host numerous acts. On the Long Street Stage, The Twylights (noon), Edge of 17 (3 p.m.) and Distorted Silence (9 and 10:20 p.m.) are among those to perform, while the Bicentennial Stage, on Main Street, will host, among others, Joey and Jessica (noon), Megabeth (3 p.m.) and Radio Tramps (9 and 10:20 p.m.)
The star power doesn’t stop there: Radio personalities from WNCI (97.9 FM) will be on hand starting
at 2 p.m. and broadcasters from WCMH-TV (Channel 4), at 4 p.m. Both stations will be broadcasting the event live.
Don’t miss out on the parade
As the final prelude to the fireworks, a one-mile parade. The parade will step off at 5:30 p.m. from the Main Street bridge, turn north on Front Street and disband at the corner of Front and Spring streets.
When do the fireworks start?
The fireworks show, which is staged entirely from Genoa Park, will begin at 10 p.m.
What’s new this year?
For the first time, Red, White & Boom has partnered with Zambelli Fireworks of Warrendale, Pennsylvania. “They’re the largest (and) oldest fireworks company in the country,” said Verhoff, who acknowledges the anticipation of those who have been waiting for the return of the event after a multi-year layoff.
“With three years to design this show, we’re packing a lot into the 28 minutes,” Verhoff said. “We’ll have as much, if not more, firepower than we’ve ever had.”
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
The temperature on Friday is projected to be in the low 90s, so with a populated Downtown area, it will be important to stay hydrated. Between the crowds, heat and walking, you’ll want to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
While Red, White & Boom prohibits alcoholic beverages, you are allowed to take a cooler filled with water. Coolers, though, must be labeled with your name and phone number, because unattended coolers may be confiscated by the Columbus police.
Where can I find restrooms?
Restrooms — lots and lots of restrooms — will be scattered throughout the area, including hundreds on Broad and Long streets, and at major intersections. “I think we have over 700 units there for people to use,” Verhoff said.
How safe is Red, White & Boom?
After three years away, some Red, White & Boom-goers might be leery about going to a large Downtown event, but Verhoff said safety is a top priority. “Every city, county, state and federal
agency works together to make sure that we have ample coverage throughout the area,” he said. “Every year, we reevaluate our plan and see what worked and see how we can improve. And, thanks to CPD (Columbus Police Department) and all the agencies, I think people are safer when events are Downtown.”
Take COTA to Red, White & Boom
Speaking of parking spots, it’ll be easier to get around Downtown if you take the bus.
As the website for Red, White & Boom says, this is the Super Bowl for the COTA bus system. COTA will offer rides from the suburbs of Columbus as well from park-and-rides. The adult fare is $4 round trip and $2 for children; kids 4 and younger ride for free.
There is a complete breakdown of the bus routes on the Red, White & Boom transportation website at www.red whiteandboom.org/transportation.
What about parking?
Verhoff recommends the Columbus Commons and Nationwide Boulevard parking garages. “Anywhere you park for the Crew, Clippers or Blue Jackets games would be a good place to park,” he said. Surface lots on 4th Street are also easily accessible, he added. But be realistic about the time needed to get into and out of the sure-to-be-packed event. “Unfortunately, we’re only as good as our slowest driver,” Verhoff said.
You can get more information at www.redwhiteandboom.org/parking.
If you drive, look out for road closures
Planning ahead for road closures will save you a lot of time and frustration, if you are going Downtown.
Here’s what to expect:
Wednesday, June 29 from 9 a.m. through Saturday, July 2
● Civic Center Drive from Broad Street to Main Street
Thursday, June 30 from 5 PM through Saturday July 2 at 6 a.m.
● Spring Street from Neil Avenue to Marconi Boulevard (on Thursday morning and event morning, one lane will be open for rush hour from 4 to 6 p.m.) Spring Street needs to be open from Neil
Avenue to the west until 7 p.m.-ish, which means Neil is open until the same time.
● Long Street from Hocking Street to Marconi Boulevard (on Thursday morning and event morning, one lane will open for rush hour from 6 to 9 a.m.) Southbound Neil Avenue will need to be able to make the left on Long Street Friday morning from 6 to 9 a.m.
Thursday from 5 p.m. through Saturday 6 a.m.
● Marconi Boulevard from Long Street to Broad Street
● North curb lane of Broad Street from Cumberland Trail marker to Belle Street
Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. (closed for parade formation)
● Main Street from Second to river
● Rich Street from river to Mcdowell Street
● Starling Street from Rich Street to Town Street
● Belle Street from Rich Street to Town Street
● Lucas from Rich Street to Town Street
● Civic Center Drive from Mound Street to Main Street
For the fireworks only, beginning at 5:30 p.m. to midnight
● All streets south of Spring Street, north of Mound Street, east of Mcdowell Street and west of Third Street, will be closed.
The full list of road closures, is available at www.redwhiteandboom. org/activities.
Look over the Red, White & Boom policies
It will be important that you go online to read over the Red, White & Boom policies on what you can or can’t bring into the festival.
The full list of policies can be found at www.redwhiteandboom.org/ festival-policies.
But there are some important to know there are some areas that are prohibited to watch the fireworks. Broad Street Bridge and Coleman’s Point, the grass west of Civic Center Drive, along the river. The Broad Street Bridge will close to pedestrian traffic at 9 p.m.
Most important: Have fun!
Although Red, White & Boom is one of many Greater Columbus events to return this year, there’s something special about celebrating the nation’s independence. “I think the community is very excited to come back out and celebrate something,” Verhoff said, “especially our independence and the 4th of July.”
tonguetteauthor2@aol.com, Cameron Teague Robinson Cteaguerob@gannett.com; Twitter: @cj_teague