PHOENIX - The Fabulous Phoenix 4th will be losing two hours of sunlight this summer.
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has pushed the start time back to 6 p.m. from 4 p.m., citing concerns over heat and attendance.
David Urbinato of the Parks and Recreation Department says he hopes the move will help restore the fireworks to "their rightful place as the crowning event" of the day's festivities, which he hopes will be more patriotic and family-friendly than in recent years.
There has also been a shift from national to local entertainment as part of an effort at making it more of a "neighborhood-type celebration," public information specialist Toni DiJorio said.
But if you like to drive from neighborhood to neighborhood in search of fireworks, you'll have four opportunities, beginning June 29.
That's still a long way off.
But in the event that you're planning a summer vacation and you're really into fireworks, you'll want to keep these events in mind.
Firecracker Softball Tournament
Southwest regional softball tournament from 7 to 9 p.m. June 29 with fireworks display at 9 p.m. Rose Mofford Softball Complex, 9833 N. 25th Ave. (602) 262-4685.
After Dark in the Park
Local entertainment, game zone and refreshments from 6 to 9 p.m. June 30 with fireworks display at 8:45 p.m. Deer Valley Community Center, 19602 N. 19th Ave. (602) 495-3735.
Light Up the Sky
Games, inflatable rides and special activities for kids, information booths and community groups from 7 to 10 p.m. July 3 with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Maryvale Baseball Park, 3600 N. 51st Ave. (602) 262-4539.
Fabulous Phoenix 4th
Celebrate freedom and honor military veterans at the one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest on July 4. Kids rides and activities, local entertainment, food and drink vendors from 6 to 10 p.m. with fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Steele Indian School Park, Third Street and Indian School Road. (602) 534-FEST.
Original Text
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has pushed the start time back to 6 p.m. from 4 p.m., citing concerns over heat and attendance.
David Urbinato of the Parks and Recreation Department says he hopes the move will help restore the fireworks to "their rightful place as the crowning event" of the day's festivities, which he hopes will be more patriotic and family-friendly than in recent years.
There has also been a shift from national to local entertainment as part of an effort at making it more of a "neighborhood-type celebration," public information specialist Toni DiJorio said.
But if you like to drive from neighborhood to neighborhood in search of fireworks, you'll have four opportunities, beginning June 29.
That's still a long way off.
But in the event that you're planning a summer vacation and you're really into fireworks, you'll want to keep these events in mind.
Firecracker Softball Tournament
Southwest regional softball tournament from 7 to 9 p.m. June 29 with fireworks display at 9 p.m. Rose Mofford Softball Complex, 9833 N. 25th Ave. (602) 262-4685.
After Dark in the Park
Local entertainment, game zone and refreshments from 6 to 9 p.m. June 30 with fireworks display at 8:45 p.m. Deer Valley Community Center, 19602 N. 19th Ave. (602) 495-3735.
Light Up the Sky
Games, inflatable rides and special activities for kids, information booths and community groups from 7 to 10 p.m. July 3 with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Maryvale Baseball Park, 3600 N. 51st Ave. (602) 262-4539.
Fabulous Phoenix 4th
Celebrate freedom and honor military veterans at the one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest on July 4. Kids rides and activities, local entertainment, food and drink vendors from 6 to 10 p.m. with fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Steele Indian School Park, Third Street and Indian School Road. (602) 534-FEST.
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