Area families are encouraged to take in the Fair Saint Louis fireworks from Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park on the banks of the east riverfront. The park offers unmatched views of the downtown skyline and will feature an array of free, family-friendly activities leading up to the fireworks on July 4, 6 and 7. The venue is also expected to be a hotspot for watching the Fair Saint Louis Air Shows on July 4.Â
During the day, park visitors can access the 43-foot tall Mississippi River Overlook viewing platform; check out the Gateway Geyser when scheduled eruptions blast 8,000 gallons of water a minute 600 feet into the sky, matching the height of the Gateway Arch; and watch the Fair Saint Louis Air Shows set for noon and 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4.
Family-friendly activities get underway at 5 p.m. each evening, concluding with the Fair Saint Louis fireworks presentation. Activities will include free face painting, caricature drawings, balloon art, magic shows, an inflatable obstacle course and a Life At Play photo booth.
On Friday and Saturday evenings the public can take tethered hot air balloon rides, watch a powered parachute aerial display and landing and see the aircraft on static display by Angel Wings Aviation of Franklin, Ill., and check out the experimental Sonerai II Aircraft. The Scott Air Force Brass Band will also be performing Saturday evening.
Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park is located directly across from the Gateway Arch on the banks of the East St. Louis Riverfront, just south of the Casino Queen on Front Street. Parking is limited. Attendees are encouraged to carpool or take the MetroLink to the East Riverfront station and follow the marked pedestrian walkway to the park.
For more information, and a complete listing of scheduled entertainment, visit www.meprd.org.