Viewer - Fireworks chat

Fireworks chat

Tuesday July 3, 2012

3:19

The Bay City Times:

Welcome to a chat on the Bay City Fireworks Festival, which kicks off on Thursday! We're joined by Fireworks Festival President Doug Clark and Gavin Goetz from sponsor AT&T. Send in your questions for them and we'll let you know everything you need to about the fireworks.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:19 The Bay City Times

3:23

The Bay City Times:

We're getting started here soon. Just waiting for Doug to finish up an interview with one of our reporters. Send in your questions and we'll get them answered!

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:23 The Bay City Times

3:26

[Comment From Gavin GoetzGavin Goetz: ]

AT&T is very excited to be a part of the online chat today to discuss the 50th Anniversary of the Bay City Fireworks Celebration.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:26 Gavin Goetz

3:27

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Hello Bay City

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:27 Doug Clark

3:27

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

With my usual viewing place (the south hill on Vets Bridge) closed this year, where are some other good spots to watch? Hearing the music is definitely a priority.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:27 Guest

3:28

The Bay City Times:

Hi Guest, thanks for joining us. Doug is answering your question. Thanks everyone for being patient as we type!

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:28 The Bay City Times

3:28

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

nothing on land is being closd off because of the shoot

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:28 Doug Clark

3:29

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

That solves one of my biggest concerns. Thanks!

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:29 Guest

3:29

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

The bridge closure is only affecting water areas nothing along the hill is being closed ff to the public

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:29 Doug Clark

3:32

The Bay City Times:

Where are the areas that people have to pay to enter and what is admission this year?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:32 The Bay City Times

3:33

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Veterans park is a $1 charge to enter and Wenonah Park is a $5 charge to enter, all proceds benefit the Bay City Fireworks

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:33 Doug Clark

3:34

The Bay City Times:

AT&T is a sponsor for the first time this year, why did you choose to sponsor?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:34 The Bay City Times

3:34

[Comment From scottscott: ]

I watch the fireworks from a boat in the river. Are there going to be any areas in the river closed off because you are launching from Vets bridge. I also heard a rumor that the river will be closed to boaters after a certain time?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:34 scott

3:35

The Bay City Times:

Welcome Scott! Please be patient as Doug and Gavin work on responses. And keep the questions coming!

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:35 The Bay City Times

3:36

[Comment From Gavin GoetzGavin Goetz: ]

AT&T has so many customers located in the Great Lakes Bay Region using our Mobile Internet, Wireless or landline services, the 50th Anniversary of the Bay City Fireworks Festival sponsorship is a great way to give back to the local communities we serve.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:36 Gavin Goetz

3:37

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Scott, the only areas that will be closed in the river will be to the South 1000 yards to the riverwalk pier and 100 yds to the North. This area will be closed permanantly at approx. 9pm however the United States Coast Guard will allow some vesels to pass earlier

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:37 Doug Clark

3:37

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

The bridge will be closed from 5pm to 12 midnight however the coast guard wil allow some boats through between 5pm and 9pm that wil be up to there discretion

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:37 Doug Clark

3:39

The Bay City Times:

Doug, what happens if it rains on any of the night? Are there any rain dates?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:39 The Bay City Times

3:39

[Comment From scottscott: ]

Ok thanks Doug, we usually come from the north and anchor near Hooters. The river is the best viewing area. Very excited to see the 50th anniversary celebration.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:39 scott

3:41

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

The rai dates fr either of the first two noght would be the next day however if we have a rain date on he last night then we wouldmove it o the Sunday the 8th. Thats not oing to happen RIGHT

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:41 Doug Clark

3:41

[Comment From Sam KorthSam Korth: ]

Are you allowed to ride your bike to the park and then walk it in?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:41 Sam Korth

3:42

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Sam, Yes you can take your bike in however we ask that you walk with it to keep others safe

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:42 Doug Clark

3:43

The Bay City Times:

This year the event includes Cellphones for Soldiers fundraiser. What is that about?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:43 The Bay City Times

3:44

The Bay City Times:

While Gavin is typing, we'll ask Doug: With this year the 50th anniversary, this show will be bigger and better, correct? Tell us what people can expect.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:44 The Bay City Times

3:45

The Bay City Times:

For those of you that attend, what do you like best about the fireworks festival?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:45 The Bay City Times

3:46

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Fireworks/Ice cold beer

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:46 Guest

3:47

The Bay City Times:

Guest: I'm sure a lot of people feel the same way!

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:47 The Bay City Times

3:47

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

BC TImes, of course first and foremost the 50,000 shots in 50 minutes wil be absolutely spectacular, we will also be having a Jet flyover at 7:30, we will have some baby exotic anmals you can have your picture taken with and we wil also have a monster truck giving rides in Vets park near the balldiamonds

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:47 Doug Clark

3:47

[Comment From HLHL: ]

Who do we contact when the guards give us grief about walking our bicycles in, because the yell at us every year?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:47 HL

3:49

The Bay City Times:

Doug says the exotic baby animals will be by the northend of the tennis courts- and there will be a bear cub, bengal tiger, kangaroo, among others! Anyone plan to go to that?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:49 The Bay City Times

3:49

[Comment From Gavin GoetzGavin Goetz: ]

AT&T will have 3 Cellphones for Soldier bins located on both sides of the river at Veterans and Wenonah parks for visitors to drop off their old cellphones during the event. The Cellphones for Soldiers organization uses the funds from these recycle phones to buy prepaid phone cards and donate them for active military members, helping them stay connected with their families.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:49 Gavin Goetz

3:50

The Bay City Times:

If you don't see your question or answer right away, don't fret - we're just giving Doug and Gavin a chance to catch up!

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:50 The Bay City Times

3:50

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

HL,We have in our rules no bicycles because of the inherent danger of people riding them in such large crowds however we do tell the guards that people must walk with their bikes when in the parks. we will revisit this with them this year

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:50 Doug Clark

3:50

[Comment From miss mookiemiss mookie: ]

What time do the parks open each morning? Will the entrances to vets park be blocked off at night?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:50 miss mookie

3:52

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Mookie, Vets will be manned at each entrance at 12 noon each day and Wenonah park gates open at 5pm each day after these times you will be charged to enter. however it goes to a good cause :-)

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:52 Doug Clark

3:52

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Mookie, NO Vets will not be blocked off at night

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:52 Doug Clark

3:53

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Glad to hear you guys managed to get the flyover! It was hinted at earlier in an article I read, but never confirmed that I saw. What will be flying?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:53 Guest

3:54

The Bay City Times:

Doug has to go shortly, so if you have questions please get them in now! He's had 20 missed calls while sitting here (apparently he's really needed to run this show!)

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:54 The Bay City Times

3:55

[Comment From JillJill: ]

We usually park our car in the Community Center parking lot on Saturday morning. Will we be able to do that this year or will the lot be closed off?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:55 Jill

3:55

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Guest, F-10 i believe

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:55 Doug Clark

3:56

The Bay City Times:

Doug had to take a phone call (the person on the other end must be VIP) we'll get your questions answered ASAP! Hold tight

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:56 The Bay City Times

3:58

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Jill, the community center parking lot is always illed with RV parking so no it will not be available fr parking

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:58 Doug Clark

3:58

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Is a pass/ticket required for children to enter the VIP area at Wenona Park?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:58 Guest

3:59

[Comment From HLHL: ]

I think the $1 is well worth the admission price, especially when it will go towards next year's show, it sounds like this year will be a tough one to top though!

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:59 HL

3:59

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Guest, The VIP area is free to children 9 or younger s they do not need a pas.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:59 Doug Clark

3:59

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

How much money for the Festival itself comes from the events held on the days of? Vets park admission, Wenona, the carnival dues, vendors. . . How does it stack up to all the earlier fundraising?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 3:59 Guest

4:00

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

HL, thank you for your support, and next year will be very hard to top thjis years

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:00 Doug Clark

4:00

The Bay City Times:

HL, you're right! We can't wait to see the 75th anniversary :)

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:00 The Bay City Times

4:01

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Guest, 75% of al proceeds needed to put this event on comes directly from the week leading upto, the actual wekend of and the week after the event.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:01 Doug Clark

4:01

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

That means 75,000 shells, right? I'd pay TWO dollars to see that!

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:01 Guest

4:02

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Guest, If everyone paid $2 that actually watched the show we could shoot off 100,000 shells

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:02 Doug Clark

4:02

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Challenge Accepted.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:02 Guest

4:02

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

You'll have to ask the President in 25 years what they think

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:02 Doug Clark

4:03

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Are both large parking lots at the Community Center for RV parking only? I thought just the one by the pool was for RVs.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:03 Guest

4:05

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Names would help distinguish different guests. . . What is the total anticipated attendance this year? What was the estimated attendance from last year?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:05 Ben

4:05

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Guest, You are correct, the RV parking lot is the one to the South. The North parking lot is utilized for ther vehice parking

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:05 Doug Clark

4:06

The Bay City Times:

Hi Ben, thanks for joining. People with the name 'guest' chose not to add a display name - which we can't really do anything about - but thanks for putting a name!

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:06 The Bay City Times

4:07

[Comment From BenBen: ]

I was a guest, just didn't realize there was a "Your name" option about a centimeter above the text input.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:07 Ben

4:08

The Bay City Times:

Ah! Well thanks for pointing it out to our other users who may not have seen. And Doug is working on an answer to your question.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:08 The Bay City Times

4:08

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Ben, estimated is the key word here, we estimated that wel over 200,000 people enjoy the fireworks on the big night alone

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:08 Doug Clark

4:09

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

This year we expect that number to swell to over 300,000, plus thousands on the river

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:09 Doug Clark

4:10

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

2 questions-Where can we donate for this year, and future years fireworks? and How long will the Vets bridge be closed?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:10 Guest

4:11

The Bay City Times:

Hi guest - Doug had to take a call - he'll answer your question in a second, but Vet's bridge will be closed from 5 p.m. to midnight on Saturday night

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:11 The Bay City Times

4:11

[Comment From HLHL: ]

I saw that the Weather Channel listed Bay City as one of the top firework displays this year, way to go! It's a good way to make a name for ourselves!

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:11 HL

4:11

[Comment From SamSam: ]

Will there be a good quality recording of it on YouTube so that I can relive the night over and over

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:11 Sam

4:12

The Bay City Times:

Sam - glad you asked that - here at Mlive.com we plan to broadcast a video on our site live

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:12 The Bay City Times

4:12

The Bay City Times:

and you can watch it over and over. Not sure how great it will be (it's our first time doing it,)but we're excited to try it out

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:12 The Bay City Times

4:12

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Incredible! I would prefer to see "Hundreds of thousands" in the place of "Thousands" in the news articles about the fireworks :P

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:12 Ben

4:13

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Will we be able to access the video in the days, weeks and months after the festival?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:13 Ben

4:14

The Bay City Times:

Ben - our video will be archived on our site for eternity (or whenever the internet dies)

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:14 The Bay City Times

4:14

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

All donations can be sent to BCFF P.O. Box 873 Bay City, MI 48707

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:14 Doug Clark

4:17

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Will the choreographed music be audible as well?

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:17 Ben

4:18

The Bay City Times:

Ben, probably not - We're gonna be a little bit away from where it is being shot off (but higher up), so it will probably just be cheers from the crowd (or our videographer). Maybe we can add some music later (or you can play patriotic music while you watch)

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:18 The Bay City Times

4:18

[Comment From Doug ClarkDoug Clark: ]

Thank You for all your questions I hope everybody can cme down and enjoy the festivities, it will be amazing. THANK YOU for all of your support, we could nt do thid without you

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:18 Doug Clark

4:18

The Bay City Times:

Thanks Doug for joining us this afternoon. We look forward to an amazing show!

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:18 The Bay City Times

4:18

The Bay City Times:

We're gonna wrap it up here. Check out our complete coverage this week through the weekend at mlive.com/bay-city! Thanks everyone for joining.

Tuesday July 3, 2012 4:18 The Bay City Times

4:19

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Good talk.