Annual Fourth of July event set for Monday evening

June 30, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — “Fanfares & Fireworks,” the annual Independence Day celebration, starts at 7 p.m. Monday at the University of Florida Bandshell at Flavet Field. The event is sponsored by the City of Gainesville, AvMed Health Plan and the University of Florida.

It will feature a variety of musical groups, an opportunity for families and individuals to picnic in the grass, and a spectacular fireworks show.

WUFT-TV/DT and WUFT/WJUF-FM Director of Development and Community Relations Brent Williams and Friends of Five Board Member Ilene Silverman-Budd will serve as emcees.

The lineup includes the rockabilly sound of dblWiDE, contemporary urban jazz, funk and soul music from GruvTherapy and traditional favorites by the Gainesville Community Band under the direction of Gerald Poe.

During the event, the UF Astronomy Club will have telescopes available to view the evening sky, and LifeSouth Blood Centers will conduct a blood drive.

“Fanfares & Fireworks” will conclude with a fireworks extravaganza set to the music of the Gainesville Community Band. The fireworks will start at about 9:40 p.m.

The event is presented by public broadcasting stations WUFT-TV, Channel 5, WUFT-DT, Digital 36, WUFT-FM, Classic 89, and WJUF-FM, Nature Coast 90.

For more information, contact Sue Wagner at 352-392-5551, ext. 1106.