Star-Tribune staff | Posted: Thursday, July 2, 2009 12:00 am
There's food for the hungry. Beer for the thirsty (those over 21, that is.) And football for the fiesty.
Fireworks Festival 2009 has all manner of entertainments for the young and old, including some of the best music playing this weekend in Wyoming. You know, for those who like a little listening with their beer.
The Star-Tribune called two of the headlining acts to chat music, albums and chicken-wire honky-tonk bars. Get to know John Hampson and Tabor-Dame, then go hear them live Saturday at the main event.
Oh, and you might as well stay for the fireworks.
Doors to Fireworks Festival 2009 open at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Casper Events Center.
Cash-only admission is $10 per car, $5 per motorcylce and $5 per bicycle and pedestrian. Admission is free if all occupants in the vehicle have tickets to the Wyoming Cavalry game. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Casper Events Center Box Office at 577-3030, 800-442-2256 or visit www.CasperEventsCenter.com.
Once inside, there will be plenty to do, see, eat and hear until the fireworks show at 10 p.m. Here's a rundown:
Music, 4:30 to 10 p.m.
* Seeds n' Stems, 4:30 p.m.
Based in Casper, the band plays a variety of styles from reggae to rock.
* Eli Manor Band, 5:45 p.m.
The regional band is a mix of power blues and metal influences.
* John Hampson, 7 p.m.
Guitarist and vocalist for the band Nine Days, known for the hit "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)." Hampson's "Shiny New Album" was released early this month.
* Tabor-Dame, 8:30 p.m.
A blend of "bluegrass boys with blue-eyed soul," Kentucky-born Rusty Tabor and Arkansas native Matt Dame form one of the hottest up-and-coming country duos in Nashville.
Football, 6 p.m.
The Wyoming Cavalry take on the Ogden Knights in their final regular season game. General admission tickets are $12, reserved seats are $20 and Grid Iron seats are $32.
If all passengers in a car have Cavalry tickets, they will get in to Fireworks Festival 2009 free.
Tickets and more information available at the Casper Events Center, Charge-by-phone at 307-577-3030 or 800-442-2256 or online at {M3www.CasperEventsCenter.com. The Casper Events Center Box Office will be open from noon to 6 p.m. today and all vouchers must be redeemed by 6 p.m.
Food and fun, 4 to 10 p.m.
There will be a beer garden as well as food and vendor booths that include jewelry, glowsticks, burgers, ice cream, and more! You cannot bring glass containers and alcohol into the event. Coolers, food and beverages are permitted. Must be 21 years of age or older with valid ID to enter beer garden.
Fireworks, 10 p.m.
The official Fireworks Festival sound track will be broadcast on 104.7 KISS-FM, 107.9 The River, K2 Radio, Rock 96.7, My Country 95.5 and Real Talk/Real People - AM 1400.
Parking
The Casper Police Department reminds drivers that there is no parking along Poplar Street north of I-25. There is also no parking on Events Drive and East Road near the Events Center grounds. The Casper Police Department will be enforcing these no parking areas to reduce traffic congestion in the area and improve traffic flow following the fireworks. Each citation carries a $15 fine.