Independence Day Celebration 2009

View Event Timeline (subject to change) and 2009 Sponsors.

Fireworks

As always, the night will culminate with an amazing fireworks display. The fireworks, which begin at 10 p.m., will be choreographed to patriotic music.

Military Tribute to America's Heroes

This year's Military Tribute to America's Heroes (A patriotic tribute to all branches of the Armed Forces) will feature special music,the rising of the American flag as the National Anthem is sung. Following the National Anthem will be a special presentation to honor our fallen soldiers. We will never forget their sacrifice.

Then, a "message of hope" from Army National Guard 1st Sergeant Marc Maynard, veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom 1, who just arrived home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan as part of Task Force Phoenix VII.

(Read Mark Maynard's Iraq & Afghanistan War Story.)

We invite all veterans to be part of this tribute from 7:30- 8:15 P.M. If you have a uniform, old or current, we would love you to proudly wear it, Shorts and sneakers are certainly appropriate for the occasion too.

Please join us and let us honor you for service this great country!

Johnny Matt Big Band

Johnny studied at the Eastman School of Music. He has been playing trumpet since he was eight years old.

Johnny was selected to participate in the Eastman School of Music Conducting Orchestra.

From his first band in 9th grade, Johnny has been entertaining Rochester with his trumpet, voice and music.

Join us on the 4th of July as Johnny and his band provides the music for our Spirit of America Celebration.

Inflatables and Other Kid-Friendly Activities

Along with the wide array of huge inflatable rides that will be at the SportsPark, you will find fun activities such as face-painting and speed cup stacking.

Old-Fashioned Food Prices

All day long you can buy hot dogs, chips, drinks, sno-cones, cotton candy, and popcorn at old-fashioned prices — everything is just $1 ea.!

Thank you! We had an absolute ball. My parents drove up from Pittsburgh, PA at our invitation to share in this celebration of God and country. My father participated in the salute to our veterans, having served in the Air Force during the Korean War. My family’s pride and humility were both equally present during this moving presentation (we all had tears in our eyes). Needless to say, we went home thoroughly engulfed in happy laughter, and risen spirits. It was truly a 4th of July we will always remember. Different members of my family worked as volunteers throughout the day, and served with joy. I want to send our appreciation for this event to the Lord, your vision, all the volunteers, the performers, and all the sponsors. My wife and I even bought a new van from Doan to show our appreciation for their participation.
—Gary Cooper, Rochester Business Institute