Boom Over the Bay 2008

History of Celebration:

Over twenty years ago, Dr. William Garvey saw the need to have a public celebration of the 4th of July. He initiated the first of the campus celebrations on the Mercyhurst Campus. The events started small and grew each succeeding year.

As both the celebration and the College grew, it became evident that the space was too small and that a new venue must be found if this important community event was to continue. The college under the leadership of Dr. Thomas Gambill began talks with the City of Erie to have the City take over organization of the community event.

The City, with the support of many organizations, particularly the Port Authority, planned and implemented the 4th of July celebration for the first time in 2007. The change from the Mercyhurst Campus to Presque Isle Bay has afforded a much larger viewing area for all who choose to attend. The idea of shooting fireworks from barges anchored in the middle of the Bay has provided miles of viewing area. No longer will the citizens cram the area around the College. Now, they can choose from multiple sites around the Bay to see the fireworks.

Mercyhurst College continues to be a major participant in the Independence Day celebration, for they have provided the financial support through a contribution to the City to insure the viability of the effort. All of the sponsors are much appreciated.

Schedule of Events:

6:00-7:00	Greater Erie Youth Symphony Jazz Band
7:00-8:30	Presentation of inaugural class for Erie Hall of Fame
8:30-10:30	Firecracker Jazz Band performs
9:45-10:00	Fireworks!
**The ceremonies and music will take place at Liberty Park

Information about Events:

Erie Hall Of Fame
The Erie Hall of Fame was inspired by WQLN, with the Erie Art Museum, Erie Maritime Museum, and Erie Historical Society. Members will be displayed is a high-tech interactive kiosk in the lobby of the Blasco Memorial Library. The Hall of Fame will honor members of the Erie community who have made significant world contributions in all types of fields from politics, economics, business, agriculture, journalism, sciences, and more. Candidates for the inaugural class have been narrowed to Wilbur Henry Adams, Dr. Gertrude A. Barber, Colonel John Boyd, Harry T. Burleigh, Colonel Philip G. Cochran, Charles A. Curtze, Captain Daniel Dobbins, Eugene Iverd, Dr. Paul A. Siple, and Ida Minerva Tarbell.

For more information, please visit www.eriehalloffame.org

Greater Erie Youth Symphony Jazz Band

The heart of GEYSO's mission is to provide a top-notch music education to ALL young people, without exception. Beginning and advanced musicians ranging in age from elementary school through college are invited to join one of GEYSO's ensembles designed to meet individual student's needs and abilities. Financial situation is not a concern. The Greater Erie Youth Symphony Orchestra (GEYSO) is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1987 by Erie philanthropist Dr. George J. D'Angelo that aims to provide young people, without regard to race, gender, religious belief or socio-economic status, the opportunity to study with the finest music teachers and conductors in the tri-state area.

For more information, please visit http://www.geyso.org

Firecracker Jazz Band

With jubilant vigor that spills from the stage to the streets, Firecracker Jazz Band revitalizes the energy of the roots of Jazz. In paying homage to the pioneers of early 20th Century Jazz, including that of Dixieland and New Orleans, the Firecracker Jazz Band carriers the torch that was once lit by such greats as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and Bix Beiderbeck. Notable performances by the band include Bonnaroo, Highline Ballroom in NYC, Sacramento Jazz Fest, and more.

For more information, please visit www.firecrackerjazz.com

World Famous Zambelli Fireworks

Proudly known as the “First Family of Fireworks,” Zambelli is one of the oldest and largest American fireworks companies. Today, the family name is synonymous with quality, creativity, and safety. The magic of Zambelli pyrotechnics has been televised around the world on “MSNBC Investigates,” the Odyssey Network, the Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, and the British Broadcasting Company. Whether it’s designing a show to be seen by millions or a ceremony to celebrate the wedding of a young couple, Zambelli Fireworks design experts are internationally known for producing personalized, custom shows.

For more information, please visit www.fireworkscompany.com

Wide Viewing Area

Connoisseur Media, Inc. will be broadcasting from two locations on Presque Isle (Perry Monument and the Bay-side parking lot at the Water Works between Beaches 6 and 7) and four locations in downtown Erie stretching from Dobbins Landing and the Bicentennial Tower to Liberty Park.

Parking

Parking is available in any downtown ramps or surface lots with the exception of Hamot Medical Center and the Sheraton Hotel at the Bayfront Convention Center. An EMTA shuttle bus will be running from 14th Street to the Bayfront from 7 p.m. until the conclusion of the event.

ALL DOWNTOWN PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION IS FREE, BUT PLEASE MAKE SURE TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO “NO PARKING” SIGNS ON STREETS LEADING TO THE BAYFRONT.

Parking Garages Available:
7th & Peach, 8th & French, 10th & French, and West 9th between Peach and Sassafras.

Surface Parking Lots (All Metered Lots)
3rd & State (Next to Modern Tool), 11th & French, 8th & French (Civic Center), West 11th between State & Peach, 13th & State, and metered lot on West 6th (Just west of Courthouse)

NOT AVAILABLE – HAMOT MEDICAL CENTER PARKING
AND SHERATON HOTEL PARKING

Thank You To Our Sponsors:
City of Erie	Giant Eagle
Mercyhurst College	Erie Parking Authority
Lakeshore Towing Services, Inc.	EMTA
Emergycare
Hamot Medical Center	Special Thanks To:
Bayfront Convention Center	Connoisseur Media (Star 104, 93.9 The Wolf, BOB FM 94.7, Rocket 101)
Millcreek Paramedic Service
Presque Isle State Park
Port Erie
JET-TV