News Article

June 20, 2016 [DETROIT]— The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy and Ford Motor Company Fund are rewarding Metro Detroit students with a special invitation-only viewing event for the Ford Fireworks at West Riverfront Park on Monday, June 27.    

Last month, the Conservancy reached out to school principals—including at public, private and charter institutions—and provided each administrator with a total of five “golden ticket” packages to the “Riverfront Community Fireworks Celebration Presented by Ford Motor Company Fund.”  More than 2,500 people—including students and their guests—are expected to attend the event. 

The principals will give out the golden tickets to those students who have demonstrated an “Act of Excellence” this past school year.  This includes maintaining good grades, performing generous acts of citizenship or achieving success in sports, music or art.  Each ticket package allows admission for the student, along with an adult guardian and two siblings/friends.

In addition to enjoying a fabulous vantage point to view the world-class fireworks in the student zone, guests will be treated to food, beverage and entertainment.  Busses staged at a local school will transport the students and guests to and from the West Riverfront for the event.

“The Detroit area is full of amazing students, so we wanted to do something to celebrate these kids and all of the great things they do throughout the year,” said Mark Wallace, president and CEO of the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy.  “Not only does this event provide a well-deserved reward for the students, but it allows us to activate West Riverfront Park during one of Detroit’s biggest nights of the year.”

West Riverfront Park is a 20-acre park located along West Jefferson between Rosa Parks Boulevard and Joe Louis Arena.  It features an extra-wide RiverWalk that is popular with runners and fishermen alike, abundant green space and sweeping views of the Detroit and Windsor skylines.  In recent years, it has also been the site of several large-scale events.

Downtown Detroit Partnership, Strategic Staffing Solutions and Skillman Foundation, along with the Parade Company, join the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy and Ford Motor Company Fund in supporting the event.

“These deserving students will experience one of the best fireworks shows in the country from a prime location,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.  “It’s our way of saying thanks to these young people for the good work they are doing that is helping to drive a brighter future in southeast Michigan.”