National-class fireworks program sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers, reduced admission to museums from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., live music, dancing water shows and more at the City of Dallas’ official Independence Day celebration

DALLAS (June 22, 2012) – Featuring fireworks from inside the historic Cotton Bowl, MetroPCS Fair Park Fourth will offer fun for all ages from 4:30 – 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, at Fair Park (1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd.). Presented by Friends of Fair Park, the free event is the City of Dallas’ official Independence Day celebration. Highlights will include a patriotic program featuring the Dallas Wind Symphony, live music, reduced admission to Fair Park’s museums from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., kids activities, carnival games, “dancing water” shows and more, all leading up to what will be among North Texas’ largest fireworks shows!

Sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers and produced by Pyrotechnico, the fireworks show will be synchronized to music with recommended seating inside the Cotton Bowl. Visitors may begin entering the Cotton Bowl at 8 p.m. at Gate D. (Handicap entrance is Gate B.) The fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.

From 4:30 - 7:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy reduced admission to Fair Park’s six museums including the African American Museum, Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park, Dallas Historical Society/Hall of State, Museum of Nature & Science, Texas Discovery Gardens, and Texas Museum of Automotive History. See museum schedule below for details.

Throughout the afternoon, Fair Park Fourth goers can hear live music including Dallas band Quiver from 6:30 - 8 p.m. At 8 p.m., the Grammy-nominated Dallas Wind Symphony will perform their beloved “Red, White and Blue Concert” in front of the Hall of State. Musical highlights will include patriotic favorites America the Beautiful, The Star-Spangled Banner, the Washington Post March and more. The Dallas Wind Symphony will be led by guest conductor Don McKinney, Director of Bands at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

The Esplanade Fountain will feature Bellagio-style “dancing water” shows choreographed to six songs including Stars and Stripes Forever, Over the Rainbow, Yellow Rose of Texas, Aaron Copland’s Hoedown, Jarabe Tapatillo (Mexican Hat Dance) and Irish Jig at 4:30, 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. NOTE: For the safety of visitors and to protect the fountain mechanisms, wading and swimming are not allowed at any time in the Esplanade Fountain.

MetroPCS is the title sponsor of Fair Park Fourth. Other sponsors are Ben E. Keith Beverage Company, Budweiser, Gold Metal Recyclers, Baylor Healthcare Systems, Coca-Cola and Green Mountain Energy. Media partners are WFAA, Univision 23, Al Dia, The Greensheet, 98.7 KLUV, K104, Smooth R&B 105.7, La Que Buena 94.1 FM, 1270 AM La Voz del Pueblo, and 90.9 KCBI.

Concessions will be sold, or guests may bring a picnic. The Swan Boats will be operating for $10 per boat. Concession stands and Swan Boats accept cash only. ATM machines will be available.

IMPORTANT: Alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, fireworks and firearms are NOT permitted on Fair Park grounds. Strollers, coolers and pets are NOT permitted inside the Cotton Bowl.

Admission is free. The City of Dallas charges $10 for parking within the gates of Fair Park. Parking will be available at Gates 2, 5, 6, 10 and 11, with handicap parking at Gate 5. Or visitors may ride DART’s Green Line Rail to the Fair Park or MLK, Jr. station.

For more information, call the Fair Park information line at 214-421-9600 or go to fairpark.org.