Boomsday 2010

Boomsday returns to the Tennessee River for another year of thrilling effects and thunderous sounds of celebration. The nation’s largest Labor Day weekend fireworks show will illuminate the sky over Knoxville with a 20-minute jaw dropping spectacle.

The 23rd annual Boomsday Festival is set for Sunday, September 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Neyland Drive and Volunteer Landing in downtown Knoxville. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will create a rumble to remember featuring more than 10,000 shells in a fireworks display and choreographed to an original soundtrack produced by Star 102.1 FM.

“What began in 1987 as a modest fireworks show for Knoxvillians has evolved into a pyrotechnics spectacular that is now the nation’s largest Labor Day fireworks show,” said Kim Bumpas, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation (KTSC). “Building on last year’s success, KTSC and the City of Knoxville are honored to host Boomsday again this year. With its 23-year history, Boomsday has evolved into Knoxville’s signature event, bringing more than 400,000 visitors to Knoxville’s riverfront for all-American food, a kids’ play area, live music, and the biggest boom in the nation for one highly anticipated night each year.”

Boomsday festivities kick off at 1:00 p.m. on Neyland Drive with entertainment and food throughout the afternoon. This year’s festival will feature a Family Fun Zone with inflatables and games; Red Bull TNT MX Demos featuring nine time X game freestyle motorcross medalists who will thrill the crowd with exciting shows and demonstrations; Live Entertainment on the Daystar Production Stage showcasing live music entertainment from up-and-coming singing sensation Erin Leigh and other great performers; and activities and contests from Journal Broadcasting, Krystal Crave Cruiser, Little Debbie, and many more fun activities.

At 9:30 p.m., the explosive action begins on the Tennessee River and, for the past 23 years, Pyro Shows of LaFollette, Tenn. has been responsible for producing the fireworks display.

The highlight of the Boomsday show is the famed “Waterfall” fireworks off the Henley Street Bridge. This year, this awe-inspiring effect will once again feature a massive shower of golden sparks cascading down to the water’s edge from the Henley Street Bridge and stretching across the river.

For the best live view of the show, spectators are encouraged to stake a spot early Sunday afternoon along Neyland Drive and Volunteer Landing. Boomsday attendees situated along this public viewing area will enjoy front row sights of the show. KTSC and KPD kindly request that spectators refrain from bringing large bags/containers, as all will be subject to security checks.

The explosive action on the Tennessee River is only a portion of the dazzling entertainment Boomsday has planned for spectators. Labor Day revelers can enjoy the show from the comforts of home via WBIR-TV Ch. 10’s local broadcast of Boomsday. The event will air on a special one-hour live broadcast September 5 from 9:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m. on WBIR-TV/Channel 10 and will be rebroadcast from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on September 6 on 10News2. Also, listen to Star 102.1 FM on the radio for the soundtrack simulcast.

Admission to the Boomsday Festival is free to the public with nominal fees for parking, games, food and beverages. For more information on Boomsday 2010, call the festival hotline at 865-342-9191 or visit www.boomsday.org.