Celebrating Independence Day in Packer Country

GREEN BAY, Wis.
June 27, 2006

Green Bay, WI – Independence Day will be a day of celebrations throughout Packer Country. The star spangled Fourth of July events include Green Bay’s ShopKo Fireworks Celebrate Americafest, School of the Soldier at Heritage Hill State Historical Park in Allouez, Celebrate Independence Day at Hazelwood Historic House Museum in Green Bay and the July 4th Celebration in Two Rivers.

“The Fourth of July is a great time for communities to come together to celebrate America’s independence,” said Katie Green, Director of Marketing for Packer Country Visitor & Convention Bureau. “It’s tremendous to see events like these throughout the area on the Fourth. Whether you’re heading to downtown Green Bay, Heritage Hill, Hazelwood or Two Rivers, family fun will be the order of the day.”

The ShopKo Fireworks Celebrate Americafest will span the Ray Nitschke Bridge in downtown Green Bay, with activities on both sides of the Fox River. “New this year will be additional children’s activities, as well as creation of a ticketed VIP reserved seating area that will provide a ‘guaranteed great view’ of the fireworks display,” Green said. “The VIP seating area will feature folding chairs, a beverage area and other amenities.”

The ShopKo Fireworks Celebrate Americafest begins with an Old Fashioned 4th of July Ceremony and ringing of the Liberty Bell replica at the Brown County Courthouse at 1 p.m. A special Veteran’s Salute will follow at 1:45 p.m. at the 9-11 Memorial near the Neville Public Museum.

Music and other entertainment will be a big part of the celebration at six stages. The musical line-up includes Big Mouth, Fahrenheit 420, Blue Cats, Johnny Wad, the Allouez Village Band and more.

Mr. Billy, Randy Peterson and The Bassmeister are among the performers on the Prevea/WZBY The Bay Children’s stage in the Neville Public Museum parking lot.

In addition, the annual firefighter’s competition will take place from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on Main Street and the Waterboard Warriors ski team will perform at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on the Fox River between Walnut and Main Streets.

The daylong celebration concludes with the spectacular ShopKo Fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. The 45-minute show is expected to attract more than 50,000 spectators.

Visit www.celebrateamericafest.com for a listing of all ShopKo Fireworks Celebrate Americafest events and details.

At Heritage Hill State Historical Park it’s the School of the Solider on the 4th of July. Visitors will be enlisted in the 5th Infantry I Corps of the U.S. Army and follow along with one of the soldiers. Participants will learn introductory and advanced drilling and march and experience meal preparations and writing letters to home. The day’s events also include a parade, games and a picnic on the green.

History will also come alive at Hazelwood Historic House Museum in Green Bay. Celebrate Independence Day! features historic activities for the entire family, including games and activities for children and performance by the Heritage Players.

The focus will be also be on family fun in Two Rivers where the July 4th Celebration features free patriotic music, entertainment, and fireworks display at Walsh Field.

To learn more about these and other attractions and upcoming events in Packer Country, visit the Packer Country Visitor and Convention Bureau online at www.packercountry.com or call
toll-free 888-867-3342.

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Packer Country Visitor & Convention Bureau is the regional destination marketing organization committed to improving the visitor experience and increasing the economic impact of tourism to its communities. For more information call 888-867-3342 or visit us online at www.packercountry.com.