Diverse acts, family fun on Riverfront
Of the St. Louis American
Fair St. Louis will celebrate its first quarter-century this year with a first – a hip-hop band will perform on the main stage.
The Black Eyed Peas will share their high-energy entertainment style with the crowd on July 2, and will become the first hip-hop or rap artist to perform during the Fair in its 25-year history.
The first three-day V.P. Fair was held on the St. Louis Riverfront July 3-5, 1981. The “V.P.” stood for Veiled Prophet, and it continued to be associated with past racial conflict in the St. Louis community.
The Fair was renamed Fair Saint Louis in 1994 and has grown into “America’s Biggest Birthday Party.”
Arnold Donald, general chair for Fair St. Louis 2005, said the Fair Committee “promises to have the largest 4th of July celebration in the country.” “Our entertainment line up this year includes the Black Eyed Peas, Ted Nugent, Oak Ridge Boys, The Four Tops, Swishfoot and Raven,” Donald said. “So, from hip-hop to classic rock to country to pop, there’s something for everyone at this free concert.”
Rick Myers, Fair St. Louis executive director, said that the addition of the Black Eyed Peas is not only because of the band’s popularity – it is part of the Fair Committee’s dedication to diversity. “We’re thrilled to be bringing this entertainment lineup to Fair Saint Louis 2005. This year, the Fair commemorates 25 years of celebrating community, so we put a lot of effort into booking a diverse array of entertainment that will appeal to fairgoers of all ages and varying musical tastes.”
Donald said the Fair attracts “all different kinds of people who come together to celebrate the nation’s birthday.” “So it is important to have music that reflect that diversity,” Donald said. “We encourage people to come out and have a good time and feel that common human spirit.” The Black Eyed Peas bring their socially conscious, peace-minded style to the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 2. The group’s most recent album, Elephunk, features the hits “Let’s Get It Started,” “Where Is The Love,” “Hey Mama,” and “Que Dices.”
At 2 p.m. Sunday, the legendary Four Tops will take the stage in a concert that will bring the group’s Theo Peoples back to his native St. Louis.
Eat your hearts out
Eads Bridge will again become “Eats Bridge” during Fair St. Louis. Visitors can taste food from some of St. Louis’ best restaurants while overlooking Fair Saint Louis and the Downtown skyline. The bridge will also have its own entertainment venue.
The Eats Bridge hours are:
July 1, Friday – 5-9 p.m. – Happy Hour of beverages and appetizers
July 2, Saturday – 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
July 3, Sunday – 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
July 4, Monday – 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Participating restaurants will include Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Fazoli’s, Lady Bug Sno Cones, Louisiana Cuisine, Super Smokers and TGI Friday’s.
There is a $1 donation for bridge access to support Fair St. Louis. A Summer in the City bracelet will give you unlimited access over the entire weekend.
Fair St. Louis schedule
Saturday, July 2 10 a.m. VP Parade
10:30 a.m. Ticket Booths open
11 a.m. Fair opens
12 p.m. Enterprise Rent-a-Car Air Show
1 p.m. Raven on the Main Stage
2 p.m. Jesse Barnes unveils official 25th Fair painting
3 p.m. Celebrating New Americans Ceremony on Main Stage
3:30 p.m. Enterprise Rent-a-Car Air Show
4:30 p.m. Farshid Etniko on Budweiser Stage
6 p.m. Enterprise Rent-a-Car Air Show
p.m. Black Eyed Peas on the Budweiser Stage
9:40 p.m. U.S. Bank Fireworks
Sunday, July 3
7 a.m. 3/10K Run
10:30 a.m. Ticket Booths open
11 a.m. Fair opens
11:15 a.m. Enterprise Rent-a-Car Air Show
2 p.m. The Four Tops on the Budweiser Stage
3:30 p.m. Enterprise Rent-a-Car Air Show
4:30 p.m. Jake’s Leg on Budweiser Stage
6 p.m. Enterprise Rent-a-Car Air Show
8 p.m. Switchfoot on the Budweiser Stage
9:15 p.m. Clydesdales Across America Ceremony
9:25 p.m. Nighttime Air Show
9:40 p.m. U.S. Bank Fireworks
Monday, July 4
10:30 a.m. Ticket Booths open
11 a.m. Fair Opens
12 p.m. Enterprise Rent-a-Car Air Show
1 p.m. Conclusion of “The Great Steamboat Race”
2 p.m. Ted Nugent on the Budweiser Stage
3:30 p.m. Enterprise Rent-a-Car Air Show
4:30 p.m. Trent Willmon on Budweiser Stage
6 p.m. Enterprise Rent-a-Car Air Show
8 p.m. The Oak Ridge Boys on the Budweiser Stage
9:40 p.m. U.S. Bank Fireworks
