Evening Program
Evening Program
The evening's festivities begin at 7 p.m. with musical entertainment on the main stage which will be located along Kirby Ave between First & Oak Streets. There will also be children's activites. (bounce house/inflatables) Parking is available in the State Farm Center and Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) parking lots. Following the music, at around 9:10 p.m., there will be some announcements & presentations. After the announcements, there will be the singing of our National Anthem, an invocation, and then the retiring of our nations flag by a color guard. Immediately following, the always entertaining fireworks display. Drones are not permitted; the area is a no fly zone for drones.
The Freedom Celebration Fireworks Location
The launch location will be lot E-14 west of the State Farm Center.
Melrose Pyrotechnics
Once again this year, we will have a spectacular fireworks display! Melrose Pyrotechnics will treat us to a show they have carefully choreographed and synchronized with a custom sound-track. They've put together some great shows for us in the past and this year is sure to be no different!
The fireworks will begin at dusk, approximately 9:15 PM. Should inclement weather affect the scheduled start time of the fireworks, in the interest of safety and public enjoyment, the Board of Directors and Committee will attempt to make a decision as to whether to delay the fireworks to a more advantageous time. Every attempt will be made to make this decision as early as possible to notify the public of any changes. Should a delay be required, all local media will be notified of the change.
Be sure to come early and sit close to the stage. You will be entertained by this year's live band and when the evening show is completed, this is the best way to hear the synchronized music track. Should you find yourself out of range of the stage, be sure to bring a radio and you can hear the fireworks music on NewsTalk1400 WDWS AM and Lite Rock 97.5 WHMS. We would like to remind you, that This is a NO DRONE ZONE. If caught using a drone could result in a fine.
Band
Powerful blended harmonies, slick guitar and bass riffs, and synchronized rhythmic beats are what you can expect at a Nickel & Dimes performance. Together, members Garry Collett, Nicole Collett Mohr, Dave Cooper, Gary Wallace (Wally), and Zakk Burke share their musical talents and passion for music by performing live in front of music fans throughout Illinois. So sit back or get up and dance the night away to Nickel & Dimes, a band that appreciates you as a fan but treats you like a friend of the family!
Other Presenters/Performers
| MC: | Scott Beatty ( Promotions, Host and Producer - WHMS) |
| National Anthem: | Crystal McCullough |
| Invocation: | TBA |
| Taps: | TBA |
| Honor Guard: | TBA |
Song Selection
| Song Title | Artist |
|---|---|
| Party In the USA | Miley Cyrus |
| America | Rodney Atkins |
| Birthday | The Beatles |
| Best Day of My Life | American Authors |
| Just Like Fire | Pink |
| On Top of the World | Imagine Dragons |
| Tonight, Tonight | Hot Chelle Rae |
| House Party | Sam Hunt |
| American Girl | Tom Petty |
| Armed Forces Medley | San Francisco Symphony |
| God Bless the USA | Lee Greenwood |
| This Land is Your Land | Everclear |
| What a Wonderful World | Louis Armstrong |
| Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue | Toby Keith |
| Good Bless America | Martina McBride |
| Firework | Katy Perry |
| 1812 Overtune | Tchaikovsky |
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Inclement Weather Policy
Every effort will be made to have the evening show & fireworks occur on schedule. There are a number of factors that may contribute to a postponement (or cancellation) of events. The CCFC, fireworks provider,and/ or Champaign Fire Department have the primary responsibility for public & property safety. Whenever, in the opinion of the authorities, any hazardous conditions exist, the fireworks display shall be postponed until the condition is corrected. Some environmental conditions that may cause concern:
- High winds (20 mph or higher)
- Wind direction (crowd safety)
- Precipitation
- Lightning
- Fire
- Medical Emergency
- Equipment malfunction, hazardous debris, etc.
- Spectators entering any part of the discharge site/fall out area
- Dry conditions
Concessions
Food, drink, & activity vendors are located at various points along the parade route and in the fireworks vendor area during the evening show.
More Information