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'Red, White and Boom 2009' Rocks Columbus Ohio

by Tina Kells | July 3, 2009 at 12:01 pm

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Columbus, Ohio rings in Independence Day in style with the 2009 'Red, White and Boom' event which gets started July 3. The 29th annual 'Red, White and Boom' festivities in Columbus promise to be a true celebration of the American spirit with a parade, lots of food, live entertainment and a 10pm fireworks display.

'Red, White and Boom' is one of Columbus, Ohio's most popular annual events and the entire city literally parties. Parking is available but people are encouraged to take transit or carpool as the lots fill up fast. Extended transit service is available on 25 bus routes with a shuttle service on operation from park and ride stations throughout Columbus suburbs.

The 25 Columbus bus routes with extended service are:

#1 Livingston Ave.
#1 Cleveland Ave.
#2 E. Main St.
#2 N. High St.
#3 W. Mound St.
#3 Northwest Blvd.
#4 Indianola Ave.
#4 Parsons Ave.
#5 W. Fifth Ave.
#6 Sullivant Ave.
#6 Mt. Vernon Ave.
#7 Whittier St.
#7 Neil Ave.
#8 Hamilton Ave.
#8 Frebis Ave.
#9 Leonard Ave./Brentnell Ave.
#10 E. Broad St.
#10 W. Broad St.
#11 Oak St./Bryden St.
#11 St. Clair Ave.
#15 Grove City
#16 Long St.
#16 S. High St.
#18 Kenny Road
#19 Arlington/Grandview

Sponsors of the 2009 Red, White and Boom include:

The Ohio National Guard - Parade Sponsor
The Ohio Air National Guard - Flyover Sponsor
US Army - Long Street BOOM! Sponosor
The Children's Hunger Alliance - Children's Park Sponsor
The Columbus Clippers - Clippers BOOM! Sponosor
NBC Channel 4 - BOOM! Central Sponsor
American Electric Power - Parade Sponsor
Marathon - Fireworks Sponsor

Activities throughout the downtown area begin at 10:00 am and will culminate with a 27 minute fireworks display scheduled to begin at 10:00 pm. For a more thorough list, be sure to check the Red, White and Boom! website.

Here’s a few tips to make your Red, White and Boom! experience a memorable one—in the good way.

Do not bring alcohol, portable grills, or generators. There are more than enough food vendors and alcohol may be purchased and consumed in the Taste of Boom area in the Arena District.

Do not bring portable swimming pools. Seriously, it’s in the FAQ section. It must have been an issue at some time in the past.

Also, do not bring pop-up tents or canopies. They will be confiscated. Lawn chairs and blankets are perfectly acceptable.

Do not bring your own fireworks–even sparklers. They too will be confiscated. And honestly, do you think that your $2 Black Cat Popper is going to compare with the 27 minutes of sonic explosions scheduled for 10:00 pm?

There are dozens of public parking facilities in the downtown area. Keep in mind that they will fill early. Very early! Carpool when you can or make use of the COTA services (Central Ohio Transit Authority).
COTA will be providing extended local route service for Red, White & BOOM! on the following routes: