The city of Greensboro is preparing for its annual Fourth of July festival and fireworks display. But there are some big changes this year. The activities will be moved back to the downtown area.
It's been 20 years since the evening pops concert and fireworks were held in downtown Greensboro. Organizers say they were moved because of safety regulations and other issues. Now they're coming back to center city.
Downtown Greensboro Incorporated is managing the festivities for the first time. The group became the lead organizer after Grassroots Unlimited decided to wind down its productions.
Zack Matheny, president of the organization, says they've secured donations and support from major sponsors, including the Wyndham Championship, in order to make it a free event for the public.
“We wanted to try to create a tight package of a tremendous festival that would allow folks to come downtown and stay downtown,” says Matheny. “We have designed this in a Disney-like effect in pods and it's full of activities.”
Matheny says the popular Fourth of July morning parade won't return this time, but they're looking at ways to bring it back next year. He expects the festivities will bring more than 50,000 people to downtown Greensboro.
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