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Red, White and Kaboom events expected to draw thousands

File photo Brian Nesbitt lights Sparklers for his son Dustin at Harvin Park before Red White and Kaboom in 2005. This year's show is on Friday, July 3.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Many 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' are often mixed in with 'wows' and applause during Rozzi's Famous Firework's show at Fairfield's Red, White and Kaboom. This year's show is on Friday, July 3.

File photo Many 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' are often mixed in with 'wows' and applause during Rozzi's Famous Firework's show at Fairfield's Red, White and Kaboom. This year's show is on Friday, July 3.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Michael D. Pitman, Staff Writer Updated 7:13 AM Thursday, July 2, 2009

Fairfield will be rockin’ — classically speaking — at its annual Red, White and Kaboom Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 3.

The city has a new radio partner, 88.9 FM ClassX Radio, for its annual celebration at Village Green and Harbin parks. ClassX Radio will broadcast from Village Green.

“They’re bringing that classic rock ‘n’ roll feel,” Fairfield parks and events manager Ben Strickler said. “They’ll have the simulcast and the sound track, just as we did in the past with WMUB.”

WMUB 88.5 FM is no longer the event’s radio partner after funding was cut in the spring by Miami University.

ClassX Radio was then contracted.

“We’re a community radio station, we’re non-profit, and one of the things we’re trying to do is to get involved in the communities of Cincinnati,” said ClassX president and general manager Bill Spry.

Spry said he wants to bring more awareness of the young station to area communities.

An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 will watch this year’s fireworks between Harbin and Village Green parks, and the Fireworks Swim at the Aquatic Center on Augusta Boulevard.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve it,” Strickler said. “We continue to get great crowds, and we’re really happy with that. Would we like to see it grow? Of course we would.”

Bands BlueStone Ivory and Second Wind will play Village Green again, as part as the limited Blast of Brass Tour.

The Rusty Griswolds will play its first Red, White and Kaboom at Harbin Park. They’ve previously played September Dayz.

Music at Village Green is set for 6:15 p.m. with the first of the Fairfield Idol finals. The Griswolds kick off the music at 7:30 p.m. at Harbin. There are added food vendors at both parks. Fireworks are set to go off at 10 p.m.

Harbin parking will be limited to pass holders.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.