Tempe celebrates 233 years of American independence on July 4

June 30, 8:55 PMPhoenix Travel ExaminerJay Hammond

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Image courtesy of the City of Tempe.

One of the few Valley communities hosting a fireworks display, Tempe is lighting some gigantic candles to celebrate America's birthday on Saturday, July 4, 2009. The bash at Tempe Beach Park begins at 4 p.m. with the fireworks set to go off for 40 minutes between 9:20 p.m. and 10 p.m. Those under 12 years of age or showing a current military ID will be admitted FREE.

The CBS 5 July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival, produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe, offers the entire family an afternoon and evening filled with fun, great food, amazing entertainment and patriotism. At dusk, ProTix will present Tempe's 58th annual fireworks spectacular. Before the fireworks, attendees will enjoy performances by  Telescope, Lil Debbie and the Blue Plate Special, the Joey Arroyo Band and Calumet. Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman will welcome attendees with a speech at 6:40 p.m. then Star-Spangled Idol winner Kianna Martinez will perform the National Anthem. A flyover of F-16s from the 62nd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Calumet will bring the celebrations to a close with their second performance of the day from 10 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Advance general admission tickets are available for $6 at Fry's and Fry's Marketplace stores throughout the Valley. They may also be purchased online at www.ProTixonline.com or by calling 866-9ProTix. Pre-sale tickets will be honored all night on July 4.

A limited number of SKYE VIP tickets are also available but can only be purchased ProTix. The VIP package includes a seat with a great view in a misted area, dinner by Skye restaurant and 2 drink tickets. Admission to the VIP area is $60 for each adult and $30 for children ages 5-12, plus applicable service charges. Children under 5 are admitted FREE.

Tickets purchased at the gate on July 4 are $8 each or two for $15. Tickets will be sold at the gate until the park reaches capacity.

Net proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Tempe.

Note: COX Splash Playground at Tempe Beach Park will be CLOSED Friday, July 3 to accommodate the CBS 5 Tempe Town Lake July 4th Festival. The Playground will reopen at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 5. Festival attendees will have access to the COX Splash Playground during the Festival.

Best Kept Secret: Through noon on Wednesday, July 1 the City of Tempe's followers on Twitter will be entered to win a four-pack of tickets to the CBS 5 Tempe Town Lake July 4th Festival. Just email your Twitter user name and contact information to nikki_ripley(at)tempe.gov. Twelve winner will be drawn at random and notified Wednesday afternoon. Winners have until 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 2 to pick up their tickets at Tempe City Hall, 31 E. Fifth St. in Tempe.

Hint: If you don't win, you can purchase advance general admission tickets for $5 at city of Tempe outlets including the Kiwanis and Escalante Community Centers, the Tempe Transit Store, the Rio Salado Operations Center and the Parks & Recreation Administration Office. Keep in mind that city offices are closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.