Fireworks explode in the night sky during QMIX Musical Fireworks in Columbus in 2022. The Independence Day blast returns to AirPark Columbus at 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 3.
The Republic file photo
For those who like to let their patriotic pride exuberantly burst forth, July 3-4 present grand, flag-waving opportunities with at least three area fireworks festivities.
All weather permitting, of course — and providing that the rather dry conditions at press time ultimately succumb to the clouds.
One of the biggest explosions of rockets’ red glare is the Columbus Regional Health Presents QMIX Musical Fireworks 34: Midwest Meltdown at 10 p.m. July 3 at AirPark Columbus. Games, bounce houses and more begin at 6 p.m. on the grounds of Ivy Tech Community College, 4475 Central Ave.
And for those hungry for more than booming bombast, organizers will have about 20 food trucks on hand, which they surmise might be a record. We’re talking burgers, barbecue, tacos, ice cream, chicken kabobs, freeze pops, doughnuts, lemon shake-ups, and well, we could be here all day.
Does that mean the QMIX team is expecting an even bigger crowd than the thousands of each of the past few years?
“We’re hoping so,” said Patra Jones, brand manager for Reising Radio Partners, of which QMIX 107.3 FM is a part.
In the past, the event has seen people camped with lawn chairs and food baskets in yards and parking lots lining literally at least a mile of Central Avenue leading to Ivy Tech and the airport. Plus, there have been people parked and tailgating off of nearby streets and roads for another half-mile or so to catch the sky show.
Jason Yantiss of Premier Pyro in Waldron will be the rocketman this year, firing an arching artillery that Camp Atterbury nearly could be proud of. The saluting spray is choreographed to an approximate 20-minute soundtrack assembled by “Bigg Matt” Ruland, production director for Reising Radio Partners.
Attendees crank up their auto and portable radios for the accompanying music.
Those who have pieced together the roughly 20-song partial-tune snippets through the years regularly have been guarded about what they’ll reveal about the musical backdrop before the huge gathering. But Ruland readily acknowledged even a national anthem that rocks.
“It’s something fun and different,” Ruland said.
And he mentioned that Seymour native John Mellencamp is included.
“And I’ve always tried to slip in a favorite of mine in there somewhere,” Ruland said.
Through the years, perhaps the most played artists in the mix have been those with song titles or choruses with U.S.A. reference points: Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, Miley Cyrus, Lee Greenwood, and others.
Across the street, at the National Guard Armory, the local Emerge Wrestling returns to the overall offerings at 6 p.m. for the first time in several years with matches under the title of “Fireworks and Fisticuffs.” In the past, ring action has attracted more than 500 fans for several hours.
At Cera Sports Park & Campground, organizers normally expect a crowd in the range of 7,500 for non-weekend July 4th festivities, according to Corey Behymer, assistant executive director of the facility at 3989 S. County Road 525E southeast of Columbus. The day’s live music begins at 3 p.m. with Columbus veteran singer/instrumentalist Derick Howard, who becomes a one-man band with his electronic looper.
Following him is local group Night Owl Country Band taking the stage at 7 p.m. before fireworks that are slated at 10 p.m., with Yantiss once again handling the pyrotechnics.
“His show just keeps getting better and better,” Behymer said.
The band just before the shells have been pre-fireworks favorites for several years at the park.
Other entertainment and leisure at Cera includes swimming, miniature golf, bounce houses, basketball free throw contests and more.
North of Columbus, the Edinburgh Firecracker Festival unfolds on Kelley Street bargaining at 5 p.m. with fireworks scheduled at 10:10 p.m. Magic shows will be at 5:30 and 7 p.m., and the Mystery Train Band will play from 8 to 10 p.m. Four food trucks will be onsite.
