MADISON (WKOW) -- Madison's Independence Day Celebration, Rhythm & Booms, will now be run by a new organization.
Terry Kelly, president of Madison Fireworks Fund, Inc. (MFF) announced that the group transferred the event rights and all accompanying properties of the event to Madison Festivals, Inc. (MFI), the organization that owns and operates Taste of Madison and Madison Marathon events.
"We are
incredibly honored Terry came to us with this opportunity," said Rita Kelliher,
MFI board president. "We look forward to continuing this very valuable and
beloved community event. We will build on our great relationships with the city,
sponsors, public, vendors and nonprofit partners to ensure Rhythm & Booms
remains one of the community's favorite summer events and contributes to local
charities."
The event is scheduled for July 3 at Warner Park. There are going to be changes to this year's festivities.
"The agreement
we have with the city of Madison is to take the event back to its
roots-celebrating our Nation's independence. To reduce the impact on North side
neighborhoods, there will be no music stages, carnival, or beer sales this
year," Kelly said. "We may be able to welcome the city's food cart vendors
and we'll have plenty of soda, water, and souvenirs for sale." These actions
were a result of the decision by the city to limit municipal costs and impact to
Warner Park and the surrounding area, but retain the excitement and beauty of
the fireworks as a signature local event.
Kelly will continue to assist MFI in producing Rhythm & Booms in 2013.
MFF will continue to operate under the MFI umbrella.
