June 7, 2007

Celebrate July 4th with an American Idol at Centennial Olympic Park

Celebrate America’s Independence Day with an American Idol at Centennial Olympic Park’s 4th of July Celebration. Ruben Studdard has been announced as the headline performer of the day-long celebration in the Park just before the fantastic AirTran Airways Fireworks display.

The annual Centennial Olympic Park 4th of July Celebration is a family-friendly, entertaining way to spend the holiday. The day kicks off with the WSB-TV’s Salute 2 America Parade, which ends at the Park. Families can then enjoy a relaxing day of play in the Park’s recreational 21-acres or the world’s largest fountain featuring the Olympic Ring symbol, the Fountain of Rings. Children can have fun with arts and crafts and interact with street performers while parents shop at unique food and merchandise vendors.

The free musical entertainment begins at 5 p.m. with the elite United States Air Force Band’s Max Impact. With two of the Air Force's most dynamic vocalists supported by a hard-hitting four-piece rhythm section, Max Impact has the ability to entertain young and old. The band is frequently called on and has a promise to invigorate today’s Airmen with pride in service and a renewed commitment to excellence.

Then a popular, local cover band takes the stage before the headliner of the evening, the finalist from the second season of the popular television show American Idol, Ruben Studdard. Over 24-million American viewers voted Studdard, nicknamed the “Velvet Teddy Bear” by soul diva Gladys Knight, the winner of the show. Originally from nearby Birmingham, Ala., Studdard has been singing most of his life and always dreamed of a career in music. He wants to make music “that everyone can listen to and is a real representation of who I am musically.” Studdard is very proud of where he comes from and has built a reputation on his onstage “realness” as well as his warmth and show-stopping vocals.

The evening ends with Atlanta’s “best fireworks display,” a spectacular show, framed by the Downtown skyline and synchronized to a special selection of patriotic songs. The AirTran Airways Fireworks will broadcast live on 11Alive WXIA-TV as well as simulcast on Star 94.1FM.

Each year, thousands of people come to the Park to celebrate Independence Day; MARTA is strongly recommended. Exit the North Line at Peachtree Center (N-1) or the West Line at the Philips Arena/Dome/GWCC Station (W-1), and follow the signs to Centennial Olympic Park. Please leave pets, glass bottles, fireworks and alcoholic beverages at home.

Centennial Olympic Park's 4th of July Celebration is sponsored by AirTran Airways, Coca-Cola, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Star 94FM and 11Alive WXIA-TV. For more information on the 4th of July Celebration or Centennial Olympic Park, please call 404.222.PARK or visit www.centennialpark.com