Cincinnati Bell, WEBN Host Riverfest 2007 Fireworks

It's an annual tradition to gather around the Ohio River and watch spectacular fireworks. Instead of Independence Day, this technological sensation of fireworks takes place each Labor Day as a part of Riverfest. The Rock and Roll radio station, WEBN (102.7), had a fireworks show for its 10th anniversary in 1977. Riverfest is now an annual all day party with the fireworks by local company Rozzi Famous Fireworks, choreographed to fun music. This year's Riverfest will take place on Sunday September 2nd, 2007 with the fireworks show at 9:05pm.

In May 2007 WEBN and Cincinnati Bell announced a new sponsorship agreement with a new official name, Cincinnati Bell WEBN Fireworks, ending a 17 year partnership with Toyota. Local telecommunications company Cincinnati Bell feels their role as an "entertainment company" makes them a natural fit for as the key Riverfest event sponsor. President and CEO Jack Cassidy indicated that the company will use its cell phone and broadband technology to be a "fireworks broadband provider" including posting videos online on a Cincinnati Bell blog.

Labor Day weekend's Riverfest party has attracted crowds of up to 500,000. People gather along the sides of the Ohio, on hills, streets, and roof tops, in parks or restaurants, and on boats on the river, to view the incredible WEBN fireworks show. The cutting edge pyrotechnics necessary to wow these massive crowds with comes with a hefty price tag. The amount of money paid for the Cincinnati Bell WEBN Fireworks sponsorship agreement is unknown, but Cassidy believes he has made a "long term commitment."

There are many spots from which to enjoy the Cincinnati Bell WEBN Fireworks. Cincinnati's riverfront park, Sawyer Point is in the heart of the action. Bands play at Sawyer Point throughout the day and people sit right on the banks on the river to enjoy the fireworks. Devou Park on the Northern Kentucky side of the river offers a panoramic view of the river and the Cincinnati skyline from its hillside location.

Boating on the Ohio River offers a close-up view of the action and a festive atmosphere amongst the touring boats. Building Block for Kids is giving people the opportunity to raise money for a good cause while enjoying a water view of the fireworks. For $175 a ticket guests will indulge in appetizers, a full buffet, cash bar, and dance to a live band, all on a B&B Riverboat. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Building Block for Kids, a Mason-based organization helping families with healthcare financial needs.

The radio station 102.7 FM, WEBN has not released the day's schedule of bands and events to make the Riverfest festivities complete, but builds up the hype with a countdown to the fireworks on their website. The fireworks will be broadcast on Sunday September 2, 2007 at 9:05pm, synchronized to music on WEBN. Although video can not due justice to the visually sensational Riverfest fireworks in Cincinnati, a 2006 broadcast of the WEBN fireworks is on the WEBN website as well.