Mayor Announces 2nd Annual “RVA Fireworks on the James”

Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced today that, for the second year in a row, there will be a free fireworks display on downtown Richmond’s historic riverfront on July 3, 2012. Dominion and MWV (MeadWestvaco) will sponsor the event as part of the City’s 4th of July celebration.

The “RVA Fireworks on the James” (www.fireworksonthejames.com) event will take place on Brown’s Island in downtown Richmond beginning at 7:30 p.m. Dominion and MWV – Fortune 500 companies headquartered along the James River in downtown Richmond – are underwriting the costs of the event. 

The City of Richmond and Venture Richmond will produce the July 3 festivities.

“As we saw from the thousands of people who came to Brown’s Island last July 3rd, this is a very popular attraction,” said Mayor Jones. “RVA Fireworks on the James enhances the City’s 4th of July celebrations and highlights our unique riverfront. Our thanks go to Dominion and MWV – two strong corporate partners -- for hosting another spectacular fireworks display.”  

The event will feature entertainment by local youth performers including SPARC (the School of Performing Arts in the Richmond Community), the Richmond Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Richmond Ballet’s “Minds in Motion.” Additional food vendors will be on Brown’s Island and the public is invited to bring a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy music during the summer evening and see the fireworks beginning at approximately 9:15 p.m.

“On July 3, in celebration of our nation’s independence, people from across the Richmond region will flock to the banks of the James River for the second ‘RVA Fireworks on the James,’ an extravaganza that showcases Richmond’s local talent, its community spirit and its historic river,” said Thomas F. Farrell, II, chairman, president and CEO of Dominion. “Dominion and its employees are proud to continue our sponsorship of this unique, family-friendly tradition.” 

“We are pleased to sponsor again this year the second annual ‘RVA Fireworks on the James,’ said John A. Luke, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, MWV. “What better way to celebrate our nation’s independence than on our historic city’s beautiful and lively downtown riverfront. Last summer’s event was such fun, we know it will be another great success for 2012!”

Fireworks will be provided by Fireworks by Grucci. Known as the "Top Name in Fireworks in the World," Grucci is a family-owned and operated company headquartered on Long Island, New York, with production and distribution facilities in Virginia. 

The rain date for RVA Fireworks on the James is Thursday, July 5, so as not to interfere with other fireworks events sponsored by the City at Dogwood Dell and at the Diamond.