Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Blast

Release Date: Wednesday, June 22nd 2011

WILMINGTON, NC - Noted as Coastal Living's 10 Spots to Celebrate the Fourth and recent recipient of Southeast Tourism Society's award of Top 20 things to due in July, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, U.S. Cellular and the City of Wilmington present the 2011 15th Annual Battleship Blast Fireworks show sponsored by Food Lion, StarNews Media, WECT TV-6 and 102.7 WGNI on Monday, July 4, 2011.

The 50th Battleship Anniversary celebration will not disappoint and at 9:05pm the Battleship fireworks spectacular will begin. You don't want to miss this year as the fireworks display will take on new forms that have never been seen in Wilmington before.

Starting at 5:00pm the 4th of July Riverfront Celebration will begin in downtown Wilmington as the Street Fair kicks off the celebration. With entertainment provided by The Daniel Parrish Band there will also be food and other festivities for people of all ages along the river front.

U.S. Cellular will also showcase its products and services in a fun and interactive environment. Attendees can try out a photo station, gaming station, phone display bar, 3G kiosk, rewards station and connection station.

"Don't miss a connection at the festival. Stop by the U.S. Cellular booth to charge your cell phone battery and U.S. Cellular customers can easily exchange their dead or dying battery for a fully charged one for free through our Battery Swap program," said Kimberly Sebastian, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in eastern North Carolina. "It's a unique benefit of being a U.S. Cellular customer and one of the reasons why we have the happiest customers in wireless."

As a proud sponsor of the Battleship Blast, Food Lion will also host special activities during the street fair including face painting.

"Food Lion is thrilled to once again participate in such a great event. We look forward to connecting with the community and having a fun-filled day," Jimmy Jones, Wilmington District Manager.

Then, at 9:05pm when the sun has just set the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA hosts the 15th Annual "BATTLESHIP BLAST" fireworks show. As you look over the river from downtown Wilmington the sky spectacular will begin. This production by PYRO SHOWS, an international award-winning pyrotechnics company, is guaranteed to dazzle residents and visitors alike. Bring the entire family and enjoy an explosive evening!

For those viewing the fireworks along the river bring your radios and tune in to WGNI 102.7 FM. Pyro Show's choreographed music to the fireworks spectacular will be simulcast on WGNI 102.7 FM. For those not able to be downtown, WECT TV-6 will broadcast and stream the "Battleship Blast" live from 9:00pm-9:30pm.

The entire Battleship complex on Eagles Island will be closed at 6:00pm and all vehicles will be required to leave by 6:30pm. Therefore, come early and visit the equally impressive Battleship NORTH CAROLINA before the activities in the evening.

Parking Information
Parking decks located in the 100 block fo Market St., 100 block of N. 2nd St. and the 200 block of N. 2nd St. will charge a $5.00 event fee for the festivities. Parking on street will be free of charge.

Street Closures
Water between Market and Grace and the 00 blocks of Market and Princess will close at 2:00pm (event area); Chestunut between 3rd and Front will close at 5:00pm (for traffic purposes).
Areas west of 3rd St. towards the river will close by approximately 6:00pm once parking is no longer available. If you are planning on parking in the downtown district or inone of the parking decks it is recommended you arrive early.

Important Traffic Information
Vehicles should park on the side of downtown (with Chestnut St. being the dividing line) that is closest to the direction they will travel after the fireworks have ended.Traffic parked south of Chestnut St. will be diverted south towards Market St., Dawson St. and the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge - includes the City parking decks in the 100 block of Market St. and in the 100 block of N. 2nd St.Traffic parked north of Chestnut St. will be diverted north towards MLK Parkway and the Isabel Holmes Bridge - includes the NHC parking deck in the 200 block of N. 2nd St.Expect delays when arriving and leaving the downtown area due to large volumes of traffic for the event. Those using parking decks can expect longer delays due to high volumes exiting at one time. No standing, stopping or parking on bridges, roadways or along medians on route 17, 74/76, 133 or 421 - police will monitor these areas and towing will be enforced. A detour will occur at the 421 N. ramp from 74/76 at approximately 7:30pm or when necessary. For traffic information call 511 or visit the NCDOT TIMS website.

The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is self-supporting, not tax supported and relies primarily upon admissions to tour the Ship, sales in the Ship's Store, donations and investments. No funds for its administration and operation come from appropriations from governmental entities at the local, state or federal levels. Located at the junction of Highways 17/74/76/421 on the Cape Fear River. Visit www.battleshipnc.com or follow us on Facebook.com/battleshipnc and Twitter.com/battleshipnc for more information.

Contact:
Heather Loftin
910-251-5797
Fax 910-251-5807
bb55.mktg@battleshipnc.com
www.battleshipnc.com
PO Box 480
Wilmington, NC 28402

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