Mud Island River Park Prepares For Fireworks Spectacular

(Memphis)  On a blistering hot and sunny July 4 holiday, the Mud Island River Park is undergoing a temporary transformation for what many say will be a breathtaking nighttime event.

Mark DuBoise is with Nolan Production Group. He said, “Well, we’re looking forward to a great crowd tonight. We’re setting up the P.A. system with the Andy Childs Band tonight and last year we had a great crowd, about three or four thousand people and we look forward to a bigger crowd this year.”
       
Crews are putting finishing touches on the 2012 Riverfront Development Corporation Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular cosponsored by WREG-TV News Channel 3.
     
Thousands will bring their lawn chairs, blankets and settle in for an evening of family friendly fun and local entertainment.

Carmen A. Jones, Mud Island Programming & Events Coordinator, says, “We call it a fireworks spectacular because we do have the best fireworks show not only downtown, but in Memphis, along with the fireworks we have kiddy rides, games, and concessions.”
        
Pyrotechnic experts from High-Tech Special Effects has brought in 1,077 kilograms of fireworks to light up the night sky in downtown Memphis and put on a show they say you won’t see anywhere else.

Bill Corbett is with High Techs. He said, “What makes this one bigger and better than any other is the quantity of shells, the quantity of cakes, which are the things you see on the ground, spitting out different stuff for 20 or 30 seconds each and the way we shoot it.”
      
But Mud Island is also taking steps to keep everyone safe, especially in light of the hot and dry conditions.

Jones said, “We’ve been watering the grass since Friday. The grass is good and damp. We have fire trucks that will be down here before the fireworks get started. We have EMTs down here and staff at the fire line to make sure no one crosses the fire line.”
         
Organizers say it should be a safe and fun night showcasing a one of a kind fireworks spectacular at Mud Island River Park..

DuBoise said, “Come down here and enjoy the music, enjoy the river and enjoy the things the city’s got going on.”

The gates open at 6 pm tonight. The Andy Childs Band takes the stage at 7 pm and the fireworks are scheduled for around 8:45 pm.