This Fourth of July, the “Big Blue Building” will become the “Big Red, Big White and Big Big Blue Building.”
Fireworks are moving back downtown, Mayor Jim Gray said, and they will be shot off the roof of the 31-floor Lexington Financial Center, one of the tallest buildings in the state.
“The Fourth is our biggest celebration, and this year we’re bringing the fireworks back downtown so we can celebrate in the neighborhood we all share,” Gray said. “John Adams, our nation’s second president, would approve. Even before the Declaration of Independence was signed, Adams envisioned fireworks as part of the celebration of the founding of our country. That’s an American tradition Lexington loves to celebrate!”
This is the third year Fifth Third Bank, with offices in the Financial Center, has been the presenting sponsor for the Fourth of July Festival, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to the community and the City.
“The Fifth Third team takes pride in our role to celebrate our country’s freedom,” said Janet Beard, Fifth Third Community and Economic Development Manager. “And we all want to thank the city of Lexington, the DLP and our community for embracing this three-day festival. It is our honor to contribute our support and celebrate with you.”
In recent years, property near the Arboretum has been home to the fireworks in Lexington.
“This year we’re returning to the tradition Lexington loves, and building on it,” Gray said. “Thanks to The Webb Companies for working with the Downtown Lexington Partnership to get this done.” Dudley Webb attended the news conference.
Officially, this is the first year the Downtown Lexington Partnership has managed the Festival. The partnership was formed through a merger in late 2017 of the Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown Lexington Corporation, which has managed the Festival since 2011.
“It’s going to be a great day for our community to spend Downtown, celebrating the Fourth of July,” said Terry Sweeney, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Downtown Lexington Partnership. “We start the day with the Bluegrass 10,000, followed by the Street Festival and parade in the afternoon, and ending with the fireworks display. It’s also going to be a great day for our downtown businesses as we anticipate residents and guests to Lexington coming down and enjoying our restaurants, bars and retail shops.”
Zambelli, which supplies the fireworks and does displays in many cities around the country, is using products designed to be used outdoors during rooftop shows.
LM Communications, Lexington's only locally owned radio group, and its Classic Rock 92.1 station, will choreograph special music for the fireworks, said Lynn Martin, President and CEO, LM Communications.
