PEORIA, Ill. — UnityPoint Health Red White and BOOM will have a new lineup of events leading into the launch of the fireworks display on July 4th.
Starting at 9:10 p.m., the 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard will perform a flyover in one of their C-130 Hercules aircraft.
A tribute to healthcare, first responders and military will follow the flyover, with ten seconds of lights and sirens from emergency vehicles on both sides of the Illinois River.
The pyrotechnics display itself will be launched at 9:30 and will be choreographed to music on seven Midwest Communications radio stations, including 1470-100.3 WMBD, 93.3 The Drive, Mix 106.9, 104.9 The Wolf, KZ102.3, 102.7 Super Hits, and Freedom 95.9.
Launched from the middle of the river, the fireworks display is expected to last over 30 minutes and is among the top 2 1/2 percent of shows in the U.S., and one of the largest in the Midwest.
Leading directly into the fireworks launch will be the National Anthem, performed by Airman First Class Kathryn Weitekamp from the 182nd Airlift Wing security forces.
Since 1947, the 182nd Airlift Wing has been the Peoria area’s “Hometown Air Force.” This will be the first time the unit has conducted a flyover ahead of Red White and BOOM.
In the interest of flight safety and the safety of the thousands of spectators enjoying the riverfront festivities, law enforcement and the United States Air Force kindly ask that all individuals refrain from the use of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles in the vicinity of the between the Murray Baker Bridge and the Bob Michel Bridge.
In the event of weather, safety, or other emergency situations, information will be broadcast from speaker towers up and down both Peoria and East Peoria riverfronts between the Murray Baker and Michel Bridges, and on 1470-100.3 WMBD, 93.3 The Drive, Mix 106.9, 104.9 The Wolf, KZ102.3, 102.7 Super Hits, and Freedom 95.9.
Midwest Communications radio stations will also be broadcasting traffic reports and other information for those attending the event.
