Patriotic
Celebration
Fireworks to
again highlight
Regatta festival events
American
Legion Post 9
to again sponsor fireworks
Staff
Report
MADISON, Ind. (April 2003) For the third consecutive
year, the American Legion Post 9 of Madison will sponsor the fireworks
show during festival week at the Budweiser Madison Regatta supported
by Belterra Casino Resort unlimited hydroplane races. This year's show
will take place around 9 p.m. (EST-slow time) Saturday, July 5, from
a barge on the Ohio River.
This
family oriented event annually draws one of the largest crowds of local
residents and tourists alike and one of the main reasons the Legion
has sponsored the event, according to Post 9 Cmdr. Bill Bruther. He
made the announcement at an April 10 press conference, along with Legion
trustees Arthur Perkinson, Bob Bladen and Dan Kidwell.
"We believe the city of Madison and Jefferson County as well as
the surrounding area will be served well and get more out of the fireworks
than ever before" considering recent military events in Iraq and
Afghanistan over the past year, Bruther said. "It's a celebration
of our freedom and a great American bpasttime to cherish and not forget,
and will be especially significant with the latest activities in Irag,"
he said.
Madison Regatta president Ann Geyman said "everyone looks forward
to the fireworks show and there cannot be a better fit than the American
Legion (as a sponsor). They remind us of the men and women who are now
fighting overseas to safeguard our freedom at home."
|
Photo
by Don Ward
From
left, Crystal McHargue,
Post 9 Cmdr. Bill Bruther, Ann
Geyman, Mike Adams and
Madison Mayor Al Huntington.
|
The free event is Madison's way of celebrating the Fourth
of July holiday and a special time for families, said Madison Mayor
Al Huntington.
"The fireworks show is one of our most popular family events of
the year, and it is especially significant this year for patriotism
as we show our support for the troops overseas," Huntington said.
"As mayor, I just want to say how much I appreciate the American
Legion stepping up and sponsoring this event for the third straight
year."
The Legion pays nearly $20,000 to sponsor the event, Bruther said. The
half-hour show is staged by the Zambelli family, who launch the rockets
from a barge in the middle of the river just after dark.
This year's Madison Regatta festival will run from June 28 to July 6,
with the race events occurring on the July 5-6 weekend. These include
Hydro-Props Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane Series presented by
BoatShopper, and the Bob Snelling Vintage Memorial Event with 30 vintage
hydroplanes and a thrilling air show. There are many other events leading
up to race weekend. These events include a Regatta queen pageant and
music festival, plus the Vaughn Drive midway.
For more information or to order wristbands,
call (812) 265-5000.
Back to 2003 Madison
Regatta Articles.