For Immediate Release: April 04, 2023
Media Contact: Max Wing | max@downtownindy.org
UA Local 440 becomes presenting sponsor for Downtown Indy’s Fourth of July Fireworks celebration
In just three months, a building trades labor union will join Downtown Indy, Inc. as sponsor for the trademark holiday spectacle with added vibrancy
INDIANAPOLIS - - UA Local 440 has signed a partnership agreement with Downtown Indy, Inc. (DII) to become the presenting sponsor of the Downtown Indy Fourth Fest, a street party followed by a spectacular fireworks display on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in the heart of the Mile Square. Representing more than 2,300 workers in the mechanical piping industry across Central Indiana, UA Local 440 represents and trains building and construction trade industries including plumbing, heating and air conditioning (HVACR) service technicians, pipefitting, and process piping.
“This is an incredible commitment by UA Local 440 and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them to sustain and expand Downtown Indy’s longstanding fireworks presentation,” said DII President & CEO Taylor Schaffer. “This year’s Independence Day experience in Downtown will be a free party welcoming friends and families made possible by our partnership and collective mission to uplift Indianapolis residents.”
“Partnering with Downtown Indy, Inc. marks an exciting new chapter in our organization’s history,” said UA Local 440 Business Manager Don Bough. “The members of UA Local 440 helped build Downtown Indianapolis and continue to make daily contributions to the skyline. It only seems fitting that we demonstrate our commitment to the community by supporting this annual fireworks tradition and help it reach new heights in 2023 and beyond for all to enjoy."
DII’s fireworks launch site remains at the 500 N Meridian building with optimal viewing areas on the Indiana War Memorial grounds and American Legion Mall. The 25-minute show will be synced to popular patriotic and themed music aired on local Radio One radio stations. DII and UA Local 440 anticipate a larger scale celebration for this year’s show, including a pre-event festival near the launch site. More information about this will be coming soon.
Other funding partners for this year’s fireworks celebration include Indiana Donor Network/Donate Life Indiana, Capital Improvement Board and Visit Indy. Businesses interested in helping to sponsor this free community event can contact Downtown Indy, Inc.
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About Downtown Indy, Inc.
Founded in 1993, Downtown Indy, Inc. is a public/private partnership existing to improve Downtown, and is also known as Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. As a private, not-for-profit organization, Downtown Indy, Inc. is uniquely positioned to address issues that affect the area’s growth and well-being. Downtown Indy, Inc. focuses on development, management, activation, and marketing to advance Downtown as a great place to live, learn, work and play.
About UA Local 440
Headquartered in Indianapolis, the men and women of UA Local 440 provide highly skilled tradesmen who fabricate, install and service piping systems. The members of UA Local 440 Plumbers, Steamfitters, & HVACR Service Technicians are proud of their union membership and community leadership and recognize the commitment of working men and women throughout their communities and the role they play in Indiana’s economic stability. UA Local 440 is proud to be an affiliate member of the Central Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council and the AFL-CIO.
About the Downtown fireworks launch location
In concert with the Indianapolis Fire Department, Downtown Indy, Inc., alongside other city officials and pyrotechnic professionals, will continue to safely launch fireworks from inside the Downtown Mile Square. Due to fire safety ordinances, a safe “fall-out” perimeter is required that is free of residences, hospitals and hotels and other similar spaces where overnight sleeping occurs, including homeless shelters and jails. Additionally, shooting off large scale, aerial fireworks should be a safe, audible distance from the Indianapolis Zoo. The 500 North Meridian building meets the necessary criteria. With new residences at its base, the Regions Tower no longer meets the necessary criteria for a safe perimeter as it did prior to 2021.