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Things To Do
Tempe’s July 3 celebration goes without fireworks
Posted
Independent Newsmedia
Celebrate our country’s freedom on July 3, at a free family festival with an in-lake fire show, live music and more.
There won't be fireworks, but there will be fun.
Join the city of Tempe and the Tempe Kiwanis Club for Red, White and Floom at Tempe Beach Park. Floom is the name of the fire show created by local artists, Walter Productions. Twelve floating flower-shaped flumes will shoot flames up to 30 feet into the air, reflecting beautiful colors on the water. The flames are choreographed to patriotic and pop music. Different versions of Floom have been part of events such as Canal Convergence and the Lost Lake Festival.
The flumes take the place of fireworks this year. This year’s event is intended to be smaller and more community-focused than previous celebrations. The flumes will only be visible from Tempe Beach Park and the north shore Boat Beach areas of Tempe Town Lake. Music may only be heard from Tempe Beach Park.
“We haven’t had the opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate America’s freedom since 2019. While there are supply chain issues with fireworks, we thought trying something new and beautiful, like these flumes, would help get us into the spirit of the holiday,” said Tempe Special Events Coordinator Jennifer Leon in a statement.
Another benefit to the flumes: unlike fireworks, they do not produce the loud bangs that often cause negative reactions for veterans and pets.
The fun starts at 6 p.m. with music by Abby and Luke, spinning by DJ Soloman and good times ‘80s music featuring Arizona favorites, Rock Lobster. The fire Floom show follows the bands at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Bring your own picnic or sample the many great vendors that will be set up in Tempe Beach Park. Enjoy Kona Ice, Dough Rider Pizza, Paleta Bar, 2 Fat Guys Grilled Cheese, Tom’s BBQ, Wandering Donkey tacos, Mini Donuts and Treats, Queso Good, popcorn from the Harkins truck and 360 Kitchen. There will also be face painting, balloon art and more.
No alcohol is permitted at this event. Event-goers are encouraged to bring their own bottled water.
Tempe Boat Rentals will offer pedal boats, standup paddle boards and kayaks for rent from Tempe Beach Park. Reservations are recommended.
Privately-owned boats with lake permits will be allowed on Town Lake everywhere except near the flumes. Check tempe.gov/boating for details on how to get a boat permit.
Can’t make it? Watch the show on Facebook Live. The broadcast from Tempe Town Lake starts at around 8:30 p.m.
