KCRiverFest to Light Up Kansas City’s July 4th

May 28, 2010 - PRLog -- KCRiverFest will light up the Kansas City metro with fireworks, food, live music and river races July 3rd and 4th.

Kansas City’s signature July 4th weekend festival returns to Kansas City’s Richard Berkley Riverfront Park with a fireworks spectacular by internationally-renowned Zambelli Fireworks. Last year, the 18-minute extravaganza July 4th and the “sneak peek” six-minute show July 3rd thrilled thousands as the fireworks reflected on the waters of the Missouri River.

The acclaimed festival is in its sixth year of celebrating America’s Independence, Kansas City style. Last year’s event attracted 50,000 attendees.

“KCRiverFest just keeps getting better every year,” said Chris Gutierrez, co-chairman of KCRiverFest and president of Friends of the River-Kansas City (FOR-KC). FOR-KC produces KCRiverFest. The not-for-profit organization promotes awareness and public use of the Riverfront throughout the metropolitan area.

“Once again, this is the festival Kansas City can count on for great fireworks, food and family fun,” added Jim Foil, event co-chairman.

Returning entertainment favorites include the United States Air Force Shades of Blue Jazz Band, Phil Vandel, Bayley Kate, Dan Coyle and personalities from Country 94.1 KFKF, Q104, Star 102.1 and Mix 93.3. Tom Mancuso of Sit Means Sit Dog Training will also return. As seen on Animal Planet, Mancuso will demonstrate the Sit Means Sit dog training method. The U.S. Army Strength in Action Zone will feature an Apache helicopter simulator, Guitar Hero stage, dog tags and the Army fitness challenge.  

Besides the main stage, children’s area and Marketplace vendors, two new areas have been added. The Show Me Stage presented by Radio Disney will feature the Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Crew. The Americana Pavilion presented by the Kansas City Ragtime Revelry will feature entertainment from a variety of ragtime and jazz performers, including the Red Onion Jazz Babies.

New acts this year include rocker Fast Johnny Ricker, the all-female group Broadband, the Bluecat Creole Band, Rich Berry and many more.

This year marks the inauguration of a new tradition: the Annual KCRiverFest KC Sprint Championships. The races begin at 3 p.m. July 4th as river racers challenge themselves and their competitors on the Mighty Missouri. Races will include Women's Solo, Women's Tandem, Mixed Tandem, Men's Solo and Men's Tandem. Prize money and medals will be awarded to the top three boats in each division.

Hungry visitors will have a large menu featuring the traditional and unusual at this year’s KCRiverFest. Corn dogs, falafel, good old fashioned barbecue, ice cream and taco in a cone are just a few of the tasty items on sale.

Out-of-town guests and locals who want to enjoy an elegant July 4th experience will appreciate the special package deal offered by the Downtown Marriott. The deal includes a room with a panoramic view of the fireworks and tickets to the festival.

Details of the Downtown Marriott package as well as schedule updates, discount tickets, attraction and entertainment descriptions are posted on www.KCRiverFest.com with continuous updates through July 4. Festival admission is $6 for adults, children 5 and under free. Discount tickets are available at www.KCRiverFest.com.

Special discounts, free tickets and more are available to group members of KCRiverFest on Facebook. To become a group member, log on to Facebook and use the search term “KCRiverFest”. More information on sponsorships as well as exhibitor and volunteer applications are at www.KCRiverFest.com or by calling 816.960.3400.

Sponsors for this year’s event include the Port Authority of Kansas City, Kansas City Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, Burns & McDonnell, Midwest Living Magazine, Clear Wireless, Mazuma Credit Union, Country 94.1 KFKF, Q104, Star 102.1, Mix 93.3, Ink, United States Army and EventPros, Inc.

KCRiverFest is produced by EventPros, Inc., Kansas City’s creative event, meeting and communications resource. Visit EventPros on the web at www.EventProsInc.com.