City of Lowell Fireworks, Family Fun: July 5

LOWELL, MASS. - The City of Lowell and the Lowell Spinners are pleased to welcome the city's annual Independence Day celebration to a new home in 2013: LeLacheur Park.

The special celebrations will be held Friday, July 5 and admission is free with complimentary entertainment throughout the evening. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., live music will start at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

"We are thrilled to open the gates and welcome the City of Lowell into our home," said Spinners President and General Manager Tim Bawmann. "We hope this is an opportunity for everyone to not only enjoy a family night out and celebration of our country, but to enjoy all that LeLacheur Park has to offer."

There will be something for everyone, with the Collins Dentistry Swampland Kids Area open and free of charge, live music by Adam Jensen, meet-n-greets with the Spinners Mascot Family and Spongebob Squarepants, Thomas the Tank Engine train rides, face painting and more!

"On any given night at a Spinners game, we have face painters, balloon artists, caricatures and more," said Bawmann. "These are provided free of charge because we are about so much more than baseball. This is a night where we can provide these services on an even greater scale."

In addition, Jumpin' Jack Flash, the Spinners' beloved Frisbee dog, will be on hand to entertain in the buildup for the main attraction: fireworks!

The stadium will open to the public at 5:30 p.m. and the 5,000 seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis for the best view of the Fireworks show. A full concessions menu including ice cream, hot dogs, popcorn and more will be available for purchase, as league regulations prohibit outside food and beverage inside the ballpark.

Attendees are encouraged to utilize the free parking surrounding the ballpark. The George Ayotte Parking Facility, located next to the Tsongas Center, "Lot A" on Hall Street across from the Tsongas Center and on-street parking at the meters is all free of charge. Please note parking in the garage next to the ballpark is available, but UMass Lowell will be charging $5.00 per car to do so.

"We look forward to showcasing LeLacheur Park to the community during this great event," said Bawmann. "Not everyone has been to the ballpark for a game, but we hope after the fifth they will be back."