I post below a paper about a new international firework competition planned in 2007 at Richmond (VA).

http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD/MGArticle/ RTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1137833575694

Fred

Big blast planned for city's birthday
Fireworks competition among nations could take place over James

BY WILL JONES
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER Jan 22, 2006

Richmond's 400th birthday could be marked with a bang.

Not just any bang.

Richmond Region 2007, a nonprofit group overseeing preparations for next year's anniversary, is looking for a sponsor for one of the planned centerpieces to the celebration -- an international fireworks competition that would take place over the James River near Brown's Island.

The idea is that a fireworks company from a particular country would present a 30-minute fireworks show on Saturday night for eight to 10 weeks in July and August 2007. Each show would vary depending on the country represented and be synchronized to music broadcast over local radio.

"Ideally, it would be a great cultural opportunity," said Wilson H. Flohr Jr., president and chief executive officer for Richmond Region 2007.

The competition could cost as much as $1.8 million depending on its scope.

"It's expensive," Flohr said, "but when you look at a significant project, this is something for everybody in the community and tourists, too."

Richmond Region 2007 has already secured pledges of about $4 million from corporate partners toward a goal of $6.5 million to offset the costs of various projects and events, he said.

Those will include a May 24 re-enactment of the historic landing by the ship Godspeed in 1607.

But 2007 won't be all about flashy events. Richmond Region 2007 also is encouraging groups and individuals to schedule home- comings here during the year. The goal is 2,007 gatherings, and planning help is available at www.richmondregion2007.com.

"I think [the goal] is realistic because it's regardless of size," said Robert L. Dortch Jr., director of community relations for Richmond Region 2007. "You could have a backyard barbecue, or could you have a larger gathering."

He wasn't sure how many homecomings have already been registered but said one of the first to sign up was the Greater Richmond Women's Bowling Association, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2007.

The success of last year's James River Adventure Games and the National Folk Festival, which will be returning in 2007, give organizers confidence the anniversary will be a success.

"There have already been two events that have taken place," Dortch said. Residents "were able to touch and feel, and we're able to build on that."

If all goes well, some of the events planned specifically for 2007 could continue year to year. One possibility, Dortch said, is the African-American Trailblazers awards forum, which is envisioned as a made-for-TV event similar to the Academy Awards or Kennedy Center Honors.

"Initially, it's a one-time shot," Flohr said. "It could be a wonderful legacy event for our community. We should look at all of these events that way"

City officials are hoping at least to have an extension of the Canal Walk to Great Shiplock Park under construction if not completed. Work could start this spring.

"The good news is it is funded, and it's going to open up a new development core," said William E. Harrell, the city's chief administrative officer.

Also planned but awaiting funding from local governments are two driving tours that would feature dozens of historic sites in the city and the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover.

One tour would feature Colonial sites and be called the Patrick Henry Road to Revolution. The other would highlight key sites for black history and be called the African-American Heritage Trail. Both would be patterned after the Civil War Trails, with historical information and a small area to park at each site.

"A significant amount of money is being invested in our community with the deadline being 2007, so it's going to make us a more vibrant region after 2007," Flohr said.