Downtown Indianapolis fireworks show to return July 4 with a new launchpad location
Watch drone footage of the grand finale of the IPL Downtown Freedom Fest fireworks display on July 4, 2017.
Freedom Fest, the downtown Indianapolis fireworks display that was canceled during the pandemic last year, is returning with a new location.
The 21-minute show will begin at 10 p.m. on July 4, launching off the office building at 500 N. Meridian St. It will be synced to music aired on local radio stations B105.7 and 97.1 Hank FM.
“We are excited to bring back one of our treasured July 4 traditions,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a statement. “This year, we can celebrate our country’s independence, our city’s bicentennial, and our continued comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic, powered by more and more residents choosing to get vaccinated.”
It’s a change in the location for the display, which has been shot off of Regions Tower for more than 50 years. Downtown Indy, Inc. had to identify a new launch site this year due to residential development near the tower.
Downtown Indy worked with city officials and the Indianapolis Fire Department to find a new location.
“Due to fire safety ordinances, a safe “fall-out” perimeter is required that is free of residences and hotels and other similar spaces, including homeless shelters and jails,” Sherry Seiwert, Downtown Indy president, said in a statement. “Additionally, shooting off large scale, aerial fireworks should also be a safe audible distance from our beloved Zoo and the animals in their care.”
The Stenz Corp., which manages 500 North Meridian, offered the location.
“This is great news for our community as we continue the #BackDowntownIndy campaign,” Seiwert said in a statement. “Clearly, Downtown’s recovery has been our primary focus to re-engage residents and visitors to the vibrancy of our urban core. Working with Visit Indy and city leaders have brought us to this moment. Fireworks on the Fourth in the heart of Downtown for all to enjoy is the perfect summer event that folks can enjoy in safe, socially distanced spaces and places around Downtown.”
Call IndyStar reporter Amelia Pak-Harvey at 317-444-6175 or email her at apakharvey@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmeliaPakHarvey.
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Published at Fri, 04 Jun 2021 17:44:05 +0000