WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (May 2, 2023) – Ariel-Foundation Park will host Mount Vernon’s fireworks on Tuesday, July 4th. The fireworks, expected to start around 10 p.m., will be preceded by a concert at the Schnormeier Event Center, with openers McLennon at 5:30 p.m., the Sirens Duo at 6:15 p.m., and headliners Parrots of the Caribbean at 7:00 p.m.
Kicking off the celebration at 5:30 p.m. is Desmond Wall as McLennon, a McCartney and Lennon tribute with Beatles and Post-Beatles era music featuring Wall’s authentic British humor and perfect Liverpool singing accent. McLennon also highlights solo tunes by Ringo Starr and George Harrison.
The Sirens Duo, made up of Molly Pauken & Kay Harris, has been described as eclectic, original, funky and soulful! From bass to acoustic to mandolin, Molly Pauken’s original style and energy has followed her around the world and regionally with Rodney Crowell & McGuffey Lane. Kay’s vocals will take you from rockin’ to R&B to bluesy country all within one set. Her versatility has made her one of Columbus’ favorites. The Sirens Duo will hit the stage at 6:15 p.m.
At 7 p.m., get ready to be swept away to Margaritaville with the Parrots of the Caribbean. A blend of zydeco, rock, country, blues, and good Buffett tunes has earned the band acclaim as the #1 salute to Jimmy Buffett & the Corral Reefer Band. Members Dave Albrecht, Chuck Drake, Gary Rigmaiden, Kenny Rice, and Greg Martin bring quality musicianship, along with professional live performance skills, with decades of combined experience on stage. This fantastic evening of “Gulf and Western” tunes will be sure to be an exciting and energetic summertime concert experience, complete with fanciful costumes and off-the-wall props!
Volunteers will help park attendees upon arrival. The majority of parking will be available at The Lakes and the Schnormeier Event Center, entering from Madison Avenue; near the Clock House off of Pittsburg Avenue; and in the parking area off of Harcourt Road. A limited number of handicapped spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Event Center lot. Please note that there is no parking on the grass but in designated areas only. Please visit the website at arielfoundationpark.org for all street closures, one-way routes, and other limitations.
Additional parking areas within walking distance of the Park include downtown lots and downtown street parking (time restrictions will be waived on July 4), the CA&C Depot on South Main Street, and Memorial Park. Attendees can use the bike trail to walk into the park and are advised to use the “Riverwalk” under the viaduct bridge for faster “no wait” exiting. Knox Area Transit provides several shuttles to two pick-up and drop-off locations approximately every 15 minutes: Mount Vernon High School Energy Field lot and the corner of East Ohio Ave. and South Gay St. from 4-11 p.m.
Super Q 93.7 FM will be broadcasting live starting at 6 p.m.; Super Q 93.7 FM will simulcast the music to the fireworks display. Eventgoers inside the Schnormeier Event Center can bring their own chairs or use the Park’s, while eventgoers sitting on the lawn or terraces should bring their own seating. This event is free for all attendees, and no seating or tables will be available for purchase. Seating is on a first come, first served basis, and the Schnormeier Event Center will be open to the public beginning at 5 p.m.
Food service will begin at 5 p.m. and food vendors will be stationed near the restrooms by The Lakes, across from the Urton Clock House, and directly in front of Schnormeier Event Center. Beer, wine, and liquor will also be available within the Schnormeier Event Center. Only alcohol purchased on-site is allowed in the Event Center and alcohol may not be taken outside the Center’s fenced area. Smoking and pets are also prohibited inside the Event Center.
Those interested in spending the day on the water or watching the fireworks on The Lakes side of the park are encouraged to bring kayaks and canoes, outfitted with appropriate life jackets. Swimming is prohibited. Park visitors may climb Rastin Observation Tower until 8 p.m. Please note that the Urton Clock House will be closed to the public this year.
In order to secure the area for the fireworks presentation, the road through The Woods will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. The main park road in front of the Event Center will also be closed at 4 p.m. allowing pedestrian and accessible parking traffic only. Pittsburgh Avenue will be closed from the Clock House parking lot to Seventh Avenue starting at 2 p.m. (residential traffic only.) The fireworks display is made possible by the City of Mount Vernon and Ariel Corporation. This year’s display will be provided by Hamburg Fireworks Display, Inc., an Ohio-based company with a reputation for stellar events for more than 40 years, including large outdoor spectaculars, symphonic concerts with choreographed fireworks, sporting events and more.
Suggested alternative locations from which to view the fireworks include Arch Park, the Harcourt Road parking area for Ariel-Foundation Park, CA&C Depot, or Memorial Park.
The July 4th Celebration is presented by Ariel Corporation, with additional support from the Knox County Foundation, Park National Bank, and Gordy and Fran Yance.
For more information about July 4 activities, including an activity and parking map, please visit www.arielfoundationpark.org.
#####
About Ariel-Foundation Park
Located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Ariel-Foundation Park is a stunning 250-acre example of adaptive reuse that honors its industrial heritage and is the focal point for recreation, entertainment, and social interaction in Knox County. Created on the former site of a glass-making factory, it offers architectural ruins, lakes, observation tower, walking trails, steel sculptures, and connections to both the Kokosing Gap Trail and the Heart of Ohio Trail. Learn more at www.arielfoundationpark.org or follow Ariel-Foundation Park on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
