Truth be told, the fireworks began last year well before dusk at “Red, White and Boom,” probably the biggest single-day Bartholomew County event.
They unfolded when a rollicking, multiple-competitor, free-for-all of sorts unfolded in the Emerge Wrestling ring just around the corner from where the annual QMIX Musical Fireworks later would launch the crowd into a bit of red, white and oooh. The colorful proceedings attracted about 700 people alone as part of the thousands of attendees along a mile-long stretch of Central Avenue at Ivy Tech State College in Columbus.
“They had a great crowd,” said Brittany Gray, QMIX 107.3’s operations manager and one of the patriotic event’s coordinators.
Wrestlers and rockets alike return this year July 3 for the free “Traditions of Freedom: QMIX Musical Fireworks 30” scheduled from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 3 at Ivy Tech. This year’s wrestling card features the promotional push labeled “Red, White and Bruise.” And organizers acknowledge that the approximate 22-minute soundtrack of pop-rock song clips played to sprays of patriotic splendor will feature a slightly different touch this year.
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“There are some little things we’re doing to make it a little extra special, since it is the 30th year,” Gray said.
That includes a retro music collection to help capture the history of the event that has been hugely popular with families and others.
“There will be some (musical) surprises,” said Gray, who selects the tunes to be heard.
As usual, Gray is careful to avoid revealing too much about what’s coming. Except for QMIX promotions ranging from $500 in cash to be given away $100 at a time.
As always, the grounds will feature an array of children’s games, bounce houses and food vendors, from pizza to Chinese to barbecue. Plus, local magician Travis Easterling will present a free magic show at 6 p.m. Normally, he draws a crowd of 200 people of more as he makes an assistant or two disappear and executes several sleight-of-hand illusions literally inches away from youngsters in the front of the audience.
Gary Brown, QMIX general manager, marvels at the station’s commitment through the years to the massive event. This marks his third QMIX Musical Fireworks.
“I have worked in radio for 21 years, and I can tell you that most radio groups do not have the wherewithal to put on an event like this,” Brown said. “And I have worked for the second-largest radio company in the United States. And I have worked for some smaller ones.
“Not a one of them in any market has attempted to do anything of this magnitude. So, it’s a really big deal. But this group of (Reising Radio Partners Inc.) stations is all about the community.”
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What: "Traditions of Freedom: QMIX Musical Fireworks 30" presented by Columbus Regional Health and Cummins Inc., featuring QMIX 107.3 FM radio tunes as a soundtrack for a nearly 25-minute fireworks show.
When: Activities, games and food booths begin at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Ivy Tech Community College on Central Avenue and the nearby area. Fireworks actually are launched closer to the nearby Columbus Municipal Airport.
Information: Facebook page for Traditions of Freedom: QMIX Musical Fireworks 30.
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