Special events in and around arthur...
"The Heart of the Illinois Amish Country"

-For Immediate Release- July, 2009 - Arthur Illinois

Tentative 2009 Schedule-
The 2009 Arthur Fireworks Features “THE ULTIMATE FIREBALL”
plus “MADE IN AMERICA” 12” SHELLS!

 Arthur, Illinois - The 2009 Arthur Fireworks Celebration will begin on Saturday, June 27  at 4 pm with an Air Show featuring WW II Aircraft, Helicopter Rides, Powered Parachutes, Skydivers, span class="apple-style-span">“THE ULTIMATE FIREBALL” and, possibly, a Military Flyover.

 The Gigantic Fireworks Display will begin at approximately 9:30 pm and will feature exotic and unique Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and AMERICAN MADE shells that have never before been seen in North America and will include an 8 inch diameter by 36 inches long, multibreak Shell. Also in the Display is the 500 foot long Niagara Falls, plus The Wall Of Fire which is a 500’ long and 75’ foot high Wall of Flame which includes the debut of “THE ULTIMATE FIREBALL” that is so big it looks like an Atomic Bomb! Plus, thousands of shells including 12”, 10”, 8”, and 6”, are to be fired during the 24 minute display, all timed to music that will be simulcast on 106.7 FM/The Fox. And back by popular demand, The Rural Patriot will ride his Horse of Freedom through the Niagara Falls carrying The American Flag! 

RurAl Patriot 2009

 AM Pyrotechnics in Buffalo, MO are supplying the Fireworks with the actual show firing sequence designed by John Leslie. Plus, the 12” shells will be built by Bill Page, a 3 time Grand Master Shell Builder Champion at The Pyrotechnic Guild International Firework Competition in North America, and these shells are being built right here in America instead of overseas.  This means that these are manufacturing jobs that are returning to America! Also, we have located one 16” shell, however, this could be the FINAL year for the 16” shell as to the availability and cost to import these massive shells have become prohibitive, so this will be the last chance to experience what 40,000 spectators witnessed in the sky over Arthur last year.  Once again, the 16” shell will be fired as Kate Smith sings “God Bless America”.

 This year will include the Arthur Fire Department launching  “Arthur Fireworks-2009” T-shirts into the crowd at Jurgens park beginning at 4:00pm.  The Rural Aviator will also drop T-shirts from his Powered Parachute as he flies over the country roads(weather permitting).  This free event will continue until all of the T-shirts are fired or dropped!

 The Air Show will precede the fireworks and features the WW II aircraft and then the Skydivers from Mid-America Sport Parachute Club from Taylorville, Illinois will jump over Arthur with the final skydiver bringing in the American Flag!   Back this year is Central Illinois Air from Mattoon offering Helicopter rides on site beginning at approximately 4:00pm with a cost of $ 20.00 per person.   This Air Show has been a crowd favorite for ten years and will return in 2009. Food and drink stands will be open at 4pm, and “Arthur Fireworks-2009” T-shirts will be available in Jurgens Park throughout the afternoon and evening.      Handicapped parking is available on site.

 The 2009 Arthur Fireworks is the biggest fireworks display in Central Illinois and is proudly presented to you by The Arthur Rotary Club, The Village of Arthur, Okaw Truss, and The Arthur Park Board. The estimated value of the June 27th activities in Arthur is in excess of $55,000.00.  

 Contact Information:
Arthur Fireworks Coordinator:  Mark Jones-543.2233 or 246.2689
A.M. Pyrotechnics Co./John Leslie-417.209.7976                          09/06/9