2008 Arthur Independence Day Celebration Press Release
Arthur, Illinois - The 2008 Arthur Independence Day Celebration will begin on Saturday, June 28 at 4 pm with an Air Show featuring WW II Aircraft, Helicopter Rides, Skydivers and, tentatively, a Military Flyover.
The Gigantic Fireworks Display will begin at approximately 9:30 pm and will feature exotic and unique Italian, Spanish, and Japanese shells that have never before been seen in North America and will include an 8 inch diameter by 36 inches long, multibreak Shell, that will be fired at the end of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side Of The Moon”. Also in the Display is the 500 foot long Niagara Falls, plus The Wall Of Fire which is a 500’ long and 75’ foot high Wall of Flame which includes “The Atomic Fireball” that is so big it looks like an Atomic Bomb! Plus, thousands of shells including 12”, 10”, 8”, and 6”, to be fired during the 24 minute display, all timed to music that will be simulcast on 106.7 FM/The Fox. During the Niagara Falls, The Rural Patriot will ride his Horse of Freedom through the flames carrying The American Flag! Plus, The Chief will return to The 2008 Arthur Fireworks!
A.M. Pyrotechnics in Buffalo, MO are supplying the Fireworks with the actual show firing sequence designed by John Leslie. We have located one 16” shell but this will be the FINAL year for the 16” shell due to import restrictions, but we wanted one more to dedicate to Roger Oye (Roger sponsored a 16” Shell every year since 2000 when the first 16” was fired) so this will be the last chance to experience what 40,000 spectators witnessed in the sky over Arthur last year. Once again, the 16” shell will be fired as Kate Smith sings “God Bless America”, and is sponsored by Oye’s Hardware in Arthur and dedicated to the life & Memory of Roger Oye.
This year will include the Arthur Fire Department launching “Arthur Fireworks-2008” T-shirts into the crowd at Jurgens park beginning at 4:00pm. The Rural Aviator will also drop T-shirts from his Powered Parachute as he flies over the country roads(weather permitting). This free event will continue until all of the T-shirts are fired or dropped!
The Air Show will precede the fireworks and will feature the WW II T-6 aircraft and Skydivers from Mid-America Sport Parachute Club from Taylorville, Illinois with the final skydiver bringing in the American Flag. Back this year is Central Illinois Air from Mattoon offering Helicopter rides on site beginning at approximately 4:00pm with a cost of $ 20.00 per person. This Air Show has been a crowd favorite for seven years and will include,tentatively, a Military Flyover.
Food and drink stands will be open and “Arthur Fireworks-2008” T-shirts will be available in Jurgens Park throughout the afternoon and evening.
Handicapped parking is available on site.
The 2008 Arthur Fireworks is the biggest fireworks display in Central Illinois and is proudly presented to you by The Arthur Rotary Club, The Village of Arthur, The Arthur Park Board, and Okaw Truss. The estimated value of the June 28th activities in Arthur is in excess of $45,000.00.
Contact Information: Arthur Visitor Center: 543.2242
Arthur Fireworks Coordinator: Mark Jones-543.2233 or 246.2689
A.M. Pyrotechnics Co./Aaron Mayfield~John Leslie-417.267.3799 or 417.209.7976 Military Flyover Coordinator: Kevin Huffman-217.543.2184
