Presenting Sponsor Fifth Third Bank returns for seventh year
June 1, 2010 Louisville, Kentucky – Mayor Jerry Abramson and WDC President David Karem announced plans today for the 2010 Waterfront Independence Festival, presented by Fifth Third Bank. The event features two days of free music, free children’s activities, festival food, fireworks, and fun. The Festival kicks off on Saturday, July 3rd with WAMZ Country Night, and continues on Sunday, July 4th with an eclectic evening of socially conscious reggae and hip hop co-sponsored by radio stations Magic 101.3 and WFPK 91.9.
Waterfront Independence Festival truly offers something for everyone in a safe environment. “People from all over our community and region come together once a year to enjoy the Fourth of July celebration. This tradition is a time to celebrate our nation’s independence, be with family, and experience great music and fireworks along our beautiful waterfront,” said Mayor Abramson. Chief Gregory Frederick of the Louisville Metro Fire Department was also present to encourage the safe viewing of fireworks shot by professionals.
David Karem thanked Robert Banks of Fifth Third Bank for their continued support of the free community celebration, along with the many other sponsors that make the event possible. 2010 marks Fifth Third’s seventh consecutive year of support for the Festival.
Musical Lineup
2010 offers a great lineup of bands with two nights jam-packed with music and fun. Friday night’s country lineup includes headliner John Rich, formerly of “Big & Rich,” in his first solo effort. His hit single “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” resonates with millions of hard-working Americans who are frustrated with the nation’s economic collapse. Cowboy Troy, whose self proclaimed “hick-hop” blend of country, rap and rock is still causing quite a stir throughout the country music world, will make a special appearance with John Rich. Tyler Dickerson, a young rising star in Nashville, is the supporting artist for John Rich. The 202nd Army Band of the Kentucky National Guard will open the evening with patriotic music.
Michael Franti and Spearhead will headline on July 4th with his powerful unifying music that has spanned multiple continents and decades. His song “Say Hey (I Love You)” is the biggest hit of his diverse career, which was built at a grass roots level. Franti is a modern day troubadour whose passion for bringing people together through music is spreading a peaceful message. Arrested Development, a two time Grammy award winning hip hop group, will open for Michael Franti & Spearhead on July 4th. This group, whose hits such as “Mr. Wendall” and “Tennessee” blended grassroots folk, southern funk, and socio-cultural consciousness into a sound that has sold millions of CDs, is also a recipient of the NAACP image award.
Festival offers something for everyone
Families will enjoy the Catfish Louie Kids Area with plenty of quality activities for children, including kids bands, Radio Disney personalities and games, and inflatable games such as the moon bounce and super slide.
New Activities
Galt House Hotel’s KaLightoscope Christmas Activities Tent
Christmas in July? Yes! Santa will take a summer vacation to Louisville to meet with local children for a “half-way to Christmas check-up”. Join Santa and his entourage of elves at the Galt House Hotel’s KaLightoscope Christmas Activities tent.
“Beyond the Log Cabin: Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln” History Mobile
“Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln” explores Lincoln’s frontier childhood, his career from log house to the White House and his struggles to end slavery and lead the nation through the Civil War. The exhibit contains artifacts and images as well as audio, video and interactive elements to appeal to a variety of learners.
Each evening of entertainment will open at 5pm with continuous music, food and Coors Light Beer Garden leading up to the fireworks at 10:30 p.m. Children’s activities will run from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., and there is a Bats Baseball game on Saturday, July 3, at 7:00 p.m.
While all of Waterfront Park is accessible, a special viewing area for individuals in wheelchairs will be offered again this year. This is an area that will be reserved and fenced off, and each person in a wheelchair is welcome to bring one escort.
A complete schedule, directions, band information, and a list of frequently asked questions can be found on the Festival website, www.WaterfrontIndependenceFestival.com.
Green Initiatives
Once again, festival patrons will be encouraged to recycle plastic bottles and cups in recycling containers. Glass is not allowed inside the festival area. Festival vendors are required to recycle cardboard packaging materials and vendors will recycle their cooking grease for biodiesel.
The volunteer festival committee is seeking additional volunteers to act as Green Festival Ambassadors during festival operating hours. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Waterfront Development Corporation at 574.3768 or info@louisvillewaterfront.com.
Free parking for bicycles
Secure bicycle parking for festival patrons will be provided by Bicycling for Louisville at the main festival entrance on the South Great Lawn. Bicycling for Louisville, our local bicycle advocacy organization (www.bicyclingforlouisville.org), will not charge for the valet parking service. Donations will be accepted for bicycle advocacy. We urge everyone riding bikes to remember safety lights for their bicycles as most will be riding home after the fireworks, after dark. Map a safe bike route to and from Waterfront Park at www.ridethecity.com/louisville.
What can I bring?
Blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas are allowed. Water is allowed in small plastic bottles AS LONG AS THEY HAVE NOT BEEN OPENED - the seal must be unbroken.
Prohibited items: Tents, glass, coolers, cans, bottles, pets, skateboards, weapons, and bicycles inside the event space (Secure bicycle parking is available near the event entrance).
Additional event information
Individuals interested in selling arts, crafts or related merchandise will find a vendor application and guidelines at www.WaterfrontIndependenceFestival.com. All food vendor spots have been filled.
The Galt House Hotel & Suites will offer a special package for overnight accommodations for the Fourth of July: pay for Saturday night, July 3rd and receive a complimentary night Sunday July 4th. Please click here for more details.
SPONSORS
All activities are made possible by generous community support from the following sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
Fifth Third Bank
Star Sponsors
Louisville Metro Government
Waterfront Development Corporation
Freedom Sponsors
AT&T Real Yellow Pages
Bats Baseball Team
Galt House Hotel’s KaLightoscope Christmas
Magic 101.3
WAMZ
WFPK 91.9
WHAS11
Liberty Sponsors
Coors Light
Friends of the Waterfront
Yum! Brands
Eagle Sponsors
Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s Healthcare
Louisville.com
Nugent Sand Company
Thorntons
Simon Signs
Workshop
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