By Anna Skinner
Westfield Rocks the 4th always aims to do a spectacular job, but this year, the parks and recreation department is planning on expanding the event to be larger than ever.
In its eighth year, Westfield Rocks the 4th will be moving from Asa Bales Park to Grand Park.
“Everything is dramatically expanded,” said Melody Jones, director of the Westfield Parks and Recreation Dept. “When you think of Fourth of July, everybody wants to see a great fireworks display. Our fireworks display will rock everyone else’s. It’s eight, full-size soccer fields, no one else has that size of an area.”
The fireworks will begin promptly at 10 p.m. and last for 25 minutes. They will also be synchronized to music.
“It’s three times the size it has ever been before,” Jones said. “It will be super.”
“We have a larger area so we can have larger shells, which means larger fireworks,” added Erin Murphy, communications director. “There’s a benefit to being out in a flat surface with so much land and nothing around you.”
OTHER ACTIVITIES
In addition to a bang-up fireworks show, Westfield Rocks the 4th will be implementing some new activities, as well as the traditional, well-loved ones.
Headliner Car Show: For its seventh year, the Headliner Car Show will be held at Westfield Rocks the 4th.
“We have the capability of more than doubling in size for the car show, and we are really excited for that,” Jones said.
Kids Area: As always, all activities at the event are free except for the purchase of food and beverages. Imagine Church and City Spring Church are partnering for the Kids Area, and there will be inflatables for all ages, face painting, a photo booth and more. A brand new activity this year, for kids 10 and older – including adults – is Archery Tag. Teams of four will compete against each other in an inflatable version of paintball.
Entertainment: Three bands will be playing throughout the entire evening. The Tides, Stella Luna and the Satellites and the Hunter Smith Band will all be performing. In between performances will be other events on the main stage, such as words from Dr. Sherry Grate, the new superintendent for Westfield Washington Schools, and Mayor Andy Cook. A hot-dog-eating competition will also take place.
Food and beverage: Grand Junction Brewing Co. is the official craft beer provider for this year’s event, and Jonathan Byrd Hospitality will be selling food. Overall, there are 42 vendors – 22 of which include food or beverage vendors.
“No (sports) activities are going on in Grand Park on the Fourth of July,” Jones said. “On the baseball side, we have Westfield Powersports bringing bicycles to the event and giving (free) guided tours of the baseball side of Grand Park.”
In addition to the sheer size of the event, there is one clear benefit of moving Westfield Rocks the 4th to Grand Park: parking.
“A huge benefit for Grand Park is that traffic in most communities that have fireworks shows, they’re more congested. There’s always traffic that’s an issue,” Murphy said. “This is the beauty of it. Leaving won’t be like anything else, and if you wanted to plan ahead, you can park at your nearest exit.”
Cars will be directed either to U.S. 31, Ind. 32 or Spring Mill Road, depending on what lot they have parked in.
“Westfield really prides themselves on being a safe city, and you have to take all of that into consideration when you’re planning an event,” Jones said. “It’s going to be really good.”
The event was moved due to losing the lawn chair area with the new football field and the construction of the old field, and Jones said it was time to move, as the event had outgrown its space at Asa Bales Park.
“Aren’t we a lucky community that we have a Grand Park that provides us with ample space and space for an amazing fireworks display? It’s the perfect location,” Jones said.
For more, visit enjoywestfieldevents.com/westfield-rocks-the-4th-1.
Schedule
- 4 p.m. – Welcome
- 4 to 9 p.m. – Kids Area opens
- 4 to 8 p.m. – Headliner Car Show, Parking Lot G
- 4 to 5:30 p.m. – The Tides, Main Stage
- 5:30 p.m. – Meet Dr. Sherry Grate, Westfield Washington Schools’ new superintendent, Main Stage
- 5:45 p.m. – Hot-dog-eating contest, Main Stage
- 6 to 7:30 p.m. – Stella Luna and the Satellites, Main Stage
- 7:30 p.m. – Mayor Cook welcome, Main Stage
- 7:45 p.m. – Posting of the colors, Main Stage
- 7:55 p.m. – A salute to service members and veterans, Main Stage
- 8 p.m. – Car show awards, Parking Lot G
- 8 to 10 p.m. – The Hunter Smith Band, Main Stage
- 10 p.m. – Fireworks
Animals that are not service animals are not allowed at Grand Park, personal coolers and personal fireworks are prohibited.
