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Fireworks
to again highlight Regatta festival events
American
Legion Post 9 to again sponsor fireworks
Staff
Report
MADISON, Ind. (April 2003) – For the third consecutive
year, the American Legion Post 9 of Madison will sponsor the
fireworks show during festival week at the Budweiser Madison
Regatta supported by Belterra Casino Resort unlimited hydroplane
races. This year's show will take place around 9 p.m. (EST-slow
time) Saturday, July 5, from a barge on the Ohio River.
 This
family oriented event annually draws one of the largest crowds
of local residents and tourists alike and one of the main
reasons the Legion has sponsored the event, according to Post
9 Cmdr. Bill Bruther. He made the announcement at an April
10 press conference, along with Legion trustees Arthur Perkinson,
Bob Bladen and Dan Kidwell.
"We believe the city of Madison and Jefferson County
as well as the surrounding area will be served well and get
more out of the fireworks than ever before" considering
recent military events in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past
year, Bruther said. "It's a celebration of our freedom
and a great American bpasttime to cherish and not forget,
and will be especially significant with the latest activities
in Irag," he said.
Madison Regatta president Ann Geyman said "everyone looks
forward to the fireworks show and there cannot be a better
fit than the American Legion (as a sponsor). They remind us
of the men and women who are now fighting overseas to safeguard
our freedom at home."
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Photo
by Don Ward
From
left, Crystal McHargue, Post 9 Cmdr. Bill Bruther,
Ann Geyman, Mike Adams and Madison Mayor Al Huntington.
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The free event is Madison's way of celebrating the Fourth
of July holiday and a special time for families, said Madison
Mayor Al Huntington.
"The fireworks show is one of our most popular family
events of the year, and it is especially significant this
year for patriotism as we show our support for the troops
overseas," Huntington said. "As mayor, I just want
to say how much I appreciate the American Legion stepping
up and sponsoring this event for the third straight year."
The Legion pays nearly $20,000 to sponsor the event, Bruther
said. The half-hour show is staged by the Zambelli family,
who launch the rockets from a barge in the middle of the river
just after dark.
This year's Madison Regatta festival will run from June 28
to July 6, with the race events occurring on the July 5-6
weekend. These include Hydro-Prop’s Budweiser Unlimited
Hydroplane Series presented by BoatShopper, and the Bob Snelling
Vintage Memorial Event with 30 vintage hydroplanes and a thrilling
air show. There are many other events leading up to race weekend.
These events include a Regatta queen pageant and music festival,
plus the Vaughn Drive midway. For more information or to order
wristbands, call (812) 265-5000.
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