HOUSTON, May 11, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Think of fireworks, and some of America's most joyous holiday observances come to mind -- the Fourth of July foremost among them. In a small but growing trend, however, patriotic displays of pyrotechnics will be featured from sea to shining sea during the coming Memorial Day weekend, a time traditionally devoted to more toned-down remembrances of fallen heroes and other loved ones.
Fireworks industry expert Aaron Mayfield, owner of A.M. Pyrotechnics, LLC in Buffalo, Mo., attributes the rising number of Memorial Day weekend fireworks displays to the wave of nationalism that has surged across America since the beginning of the war in Iraq. "Every year, we're scheduling more shows in conjunction with Memorial Day," he says. "It all starts with one person thinking, 'What a wonderful way to show our patriotism!'"
Whatever the reason, aficionados of Roman candles, flares and fountains will have fireworks displays galore to choose from this Memorial Day weekend. Many of the pyrotechnic productions will launch during festivals on Saturday, May 27, or Sunday, May 28, just prior to the Monday holiday. The shows are slated from coast to coast in communities large and small:
Houston -- A kaleidoscope of color and sound culminates "Memorial CityFest: A Tribute to Our Troops" on the eve of Memorial Day featuring military vehicles on display, a children's carnival and a flyover by a trio of World War II airplanes. Sunday, May 28, 12 noon to 11 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Memorial City Mall, I-10 and Gessner Road, Houston, TX, 77024. For information, call (713) 464-8640.
Kennett Square, Penn. -- "Fireworks and Fountains: American Fantasia" at historic Longwood Gardens is touted as "arguably the most artistic display of fire and water to be found anywhere." Sunday, May 28, 9:15 p.m. Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. For information, call (610) 388-1000, ext.100.
Montgomery, Ala. -- "Thunder over the River" highlights Jubilee CityFest, featuring a battle of the bands, Montgomery Symphony Orchestra concert and a plethora of other performances. Friday, May 26, 6:30 - 11:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 27, 4 p.m. -- midnight; and Sunday, May 28, 4 -- 9:30 p.m. Fireworks on Friday only, at 9:20 p.m. Downtown Montgomery, on the Alabama riverfront. For information, email cityfest@jubileecityfest.org.
Santa Clara, Calif. -- Paramount's Great America theme park marks the start of summer with a fireworks extravaganza choreographed to patriotic and popular tunes. Sunday, May 28, park open 10 a.m. -- 9 p.m.; fireworks at closing time. Paramount's Great America, 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95052. For information, call (408) 988-1776.
Hermitage, Tenn. -- Along with hot air balloon rides and "Camp Freedom" -- an interactive military camp with tactical equipment, a climbing wall and other activities -- visitors at Nashville Shores Water Park on J. Percy Priest Lake can enjoy a brilliant display of lights and sound during "Salute to Freedom 2006." Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. -- 6 p.m.; Sunday, May 28, 11 a.m. -- 6 p.m., and Monday, May 29, 10 a.m. -- 6 p.m. Fireworks on Sunday only, at 8:45 p.m. Nashville Shores, 4001 Bell Road, Hermitage, TN 37076. For information, call (615) 889-7050.
Chicago, Ill. -- Explosive panoramas of color and sound kick off at the Navy Pier during a weekend of patriotic activities, performances and displays. Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. -- midnight, with fireworks at 10:15 p.m.; and Sunday, May 28, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. For information, call (800) 595-PIER or (312) 595-PIER.
Branson, Mo. -- Boaters on Table Rock Lake gather in the cove to watch the nighttime skies illuminate over Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa and Convention Center. The event is preceded by a Backyard BBQ and live entertainment at the resort. Sunday, May 28, at dusk. Chateau on the Lake, 415 North State Highway 265, Branson, MO 65616. For information, call (888) 333-5253 or (417) 334-1161.