Mayor Mike Purzycki, Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz and RDC Executive Director Megan McGlinchey today invited citizens to enjoy the City’s annual Independence Day festivities along the Christina Riverfront next Thursday, July 4. Once again, a performance by the Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) followed by a spectacular fireworks show will highlight the day-long event at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park on the Christina Riverfront.
The Fourth of July celebration begins at 2:00 p.m. with local bands, food vendors, crab feast tent, children’s games, tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, and other family-themed activities. The DSO performance will begin at 8 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at about 9:30 p.m. Other events will take place along the Riverfront throughout the day. Please see the schedule at the end of this news release.
“We are pleased that the Delaware Symphony Orchestra will again be part of our annual Fourth of July commemoration,” said Mayor Purzycki. “Families and friends from across the City and around the region are in for a musical treat as we come together on our Nation’s birthday. Tina, Megan and I invite you to bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a wonderful, fun-filled day and evening along the river.”
DSO Music Director David Amado, said, “I am thrilled to bring the DSO back to the Christina Riverfront—not only celebrating our nation’s 243rd birthday with patriotic favorites, but also commemorating the 50th anniversary of one of our greatest achievements—the moon landing—with music inspired by space—including some favorites by John Williams. Great music, a beautiful setting, and, of course, a great orchestra—your Delaware Symphony. There is no finer way to celebrate the 4th!”
From the opening of Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra, which was immortalized in Stanley Kubrick’s film, 2001: A Space Odyssey, to John Williams’ scores for E. T. and Star Wars, music from Star Trek and the film Apollo 13 the concert will also include “Mars” and “Jupiter” from Gustav Holst’s The Planets and Glenn Miller’s Moonlight Serenade. The spectacular fireworks display will be preceded by a Fourth of July tradition: Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with seven of the DSO’s William Kerrigan Bells of Remembrance.
Complete information on the July 4th program and the DSO season is available at delawaresymphony.org.
July 4th TUBMAN-GARRETT RIVERFRONT PARK SCHEDULE
2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The public is invited to bring a blanket, chair, lawn games, and your own picnic. Local vendors – including an old-fashioned Eastern Shore crab feast tent – will be on hand, as will local bands, children’s games, trackless train rides, and other family-themed activities.
8:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. The Delaware Symphony Orchestra performs a celebratory concert of American music commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moonwalk. Finale: Ringing of the Bells of Remembrance during the 1812 Overture.
9:30 p.m. The July 4th Freedom Celebration Fireworks Show by Pyrotechnico will conclude the evening.
RIVERFRONT DAY ACTIVITIES
You can also enjoy these additional activities during the day on July 4, brought to you by the Riverfront Development Corporation:
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. River Boat Queen Sightseeing Cruise
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. River Boat Queen Sightseeing Cruise
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Kalmar Nyckel Tours
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. River Boat Queen Sightseeing Cruise
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. River Taxi Family Night Cruise
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. River Boat Queen Happy Hour Cruise
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Live Music by Country By Night at Constitution Yards
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. River Taxi Family Night Cruise
8:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. River Taxi Fireworks Cruise
To learn more about the daytime July 4th activities along the Riverfront, visit the Riverfront Development Corporation at www.riverfrontwilm.com.
EVENT PARKING
Patrons are encouraged to park at any of the many lots around the Orange Street and Market Street areas.
Take advantage of free parking at the Shipyard Shops, Frawley Stadium and at the Chase Center on the Riverfront
Visit the Riverfront Wilmington website for directions to these sites.
Please note that parking at restaurants along the Riverfront is for restaurant patrons ONLY.