DR PEPPER SNAPPLE GROUP FAIR PARK FOURTH

City of Dallas’ official Independence Day celebration to feature spectacular fireworks at the Cotton Bowl sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers, a Dallas Wind Symphony patriotic concert, free visits to participating museums from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. and more

Monday, July 4, 2011 4:30 – 10 p.m. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Free admission to Fair Park’s participating museums
8 p.m. Dallas Wind Symphony patriotic concert in front of the Hall of State
8:45 p.m. Gate D to Cotton Bowl opens (Gate D is only entrance)
9:30 p.m. Fireworks program (Recommended seating for fireworks is inside the Cotton Bowl.)

Snap, crackle, pop! Don’t miss Dr Pepper Snapple Group FAIR PARK FOURTH from 4:30 – 10 p.m. Monday, July 4, at historic Fair Park. Free and open to the public, the family-fun event will feature musical performances including a Dallas Wind Symphony patriotic concert, free visits to Fair Park’s participating museums from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., “dancing water” shows at the Esplanade Fountain, plus a spectacular fireworks show at the Cotton Bowl sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers.

Guests are encouraged to view the fireworks from inside the Cotton Bowl (enter at Gate D). At 7 p.m. enjoy a show by seven-time Grammy-nominated Stefani Little Band, followed by a patriotic performance by the Grammy-nominated Dallas Wind Symphony at 8 p.m. in front of the Hall of State. Led by guest conductor Nicholas Williams of the University of North Texas’ Mean Green Brigade, the Dallas Wind Symphony’s beloved “Red, White and Blue Concert” will feature favorites including America the Beautiful, The Star-Spangled Banner, the Washington Post March, A Salute to America's Veterans and more.

Fair Park’s participating museums will offer free admission from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. including the African American Museum, The Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future, Dallas Historical Society/Hall of State, the new Texas Museum of Automotive History, Texas Discovery Gardens, Museum of Nature & Science and Museum of the American Railroad.

The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park will offer discounted admission at $4 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Other highlights will include “dancing water” shows at the Bellagio-style Esplanade Fountain choreographed to four songs – Stars and Stripes Forever, the beloved classic Over the Rainbow from the Wizard of Oz, the Yellow Rose of Texas, and Aaron Copland’s Hoedown of the popular Rodeo suite. Show times are at 4:30, 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. (NOTE: For the safety of Fair Park visitors and to protect the fountain mechanisms, wading and swimming are not allowed at any time in the Esplanade Fountain.)

For another aquatic experience, the Swan Boats will be available for $10 per boat (cash only). The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. Recommended seating will be inside the Cotton Bowl. KLUV 98.7 will simulcast the fireworks music. NOTE: Gate D, which opens at 8:45 p.m., will be the only entrance to the Cotton Bowl. Visitors also may sit throughout the Fair Park grounds. The event closes at 10 p.m.

IMPORTANT: Alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, fireworks or firearms are NOT permitted on Fair Park grounds. Strollers, coolers and pets are NOT permitted inside the Cotton Bowl. Concessions will be sold, or guests are invited to bring their own picnics. ATM machines will be available.

For more information, please call 214-421-9600 or go to fairpark.org.