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Read MoreHazelwood Offers Double-Feature on Sept. 22: Last Summer Concert & Fireworks Display
The City of Hazelwood is offering a double-feature to local residents and visiting guests at White Birch Park, 1186 Teson Road, on Saturday, Sept. 22.
Hazelwood will be hosting its summer concert finale featuring Super Jam’s “Tribute to the ‘70’s & ‘80’s,” which has been moved from Truman Park to White Birch Park, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. followed by the rescheduled Fourth of July spectacular pyro-musical fireworks display.
“The severe drought conditions in our area have improved with the recent rain we’ve been getting the last couple of weeks, including the remnants of Hurricane Isaac,” said Doug Littlefield, Hazelwood Parks and Recreation Division supervisor. “The grass and foliage around the park is much greener and less dry than they were around the Fourth of July, making it safer to shoot fireworks for residents and surrounding properties.”
Littlefield said that Hazelwood is following the example of many other municipalities that have opted to reschedule their fireworks displays after being forced to cancel them on July 4. “We felt now was the perfect time for us to do it because of the mild temperatures and the improved drought conditions which greatly reduce the potential problem of drifting fallout from the exploding rockets. It’s better to schedule it now before it gets too cold for people to sit outside and watch them,” Littlefield added.
The evening’s festivities on Sept. 22 will begin with a high-powered Tribute show to the arena-rock era of the ‘’70s and ‘’80s, performed by one of St. Louis’ most popular cover bands, Super Jam. Members are Dave Farver (Lead Vocals/Sax/Keys), Jim Wolfe (Keys, Back-Up Vocals), Eric Lysaght (Lead Guitar), Jeff Gallo (Bass, Vocals), and Ken McCray (Drums). Their song list includes tunes from KSHE-FM’s staples such as Boston, Foreigner, Journey, Kansas, REO Speedwagon and Styx.
Afterwards, the City of Hazelwood intends to put on one of the best fireworks shows in the North County area. A total of 1,700 shells will be launched and exploded in the air and syncopated to patriotic music for approximately 20 minutes. The company in charge of choreographing Hazelwood’s pyro-musical fireworks display for the second year in a row is Albeck Enterprises, LLC, d/b/a Lantis Fireworks of St. Louis.
“Last year, they did a superb job presenting the most spectacular fireworks show to date,” said Littlefield. “And, this time around, we expect them to raise the bar with another stunning show. Although we were forced to cancel on July 4th, there’s nothing being cut out of the fireworks display for Sept. 22. Our city’s fire department is even displaying a huge American flag with its aerial apparatus.”
Audience members can bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. But no glass containers are allowed. As with past Fourth of July events, Boy Scout Troop 730 will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, potato chips, soda, water, pretzels, sno-cones and candy at the park to help raise money for the organization. In addition, Thomas Gately will be selling freshly made kettle korn on site.
Off-site parking will be available at Howdershell Park, 6800 Howdershell Road, with shuttle bus service between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The buses will be making pick-ups every 15 minutes.
For more information on these events, contact the Hazelwood Parks and Recreation Office at (314) 731-0980 or go to www.hazelwoodmo.org. Check out Hazelwood’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityofHazelwood as well.