Purdue News
Purdue NewsNOTE TO JOURNALISTS: For additional details on the concert, refer to the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra's June 6 news release. For a map (one- or two-color EPS in Macintosh format) of closed campus streets, suggested parking areas and services available near Slayter Center on July 4, call Jenny Pratt, Purdue News Service, (765) 496-3133.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Thousands from Greater Lafayette again will pour onto the Purdue University campus for the community's Independence Day celebration.
Slayter Center is the site for the annual "Stars and Stripes" concert on Friday, July 4, followed by a fireworks display originating from the west end of the Intramural Playing Fields.
Entertainment at Slayter Center will begin at 6 p.m. with the Purdue Jazz Band. The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra will take the stage at 7:15 p.m., and the fireworks display will follow at about 9:25 p.m. The concert will include performances by the Greater Lafayette Freedom Singers, Sisters of Thunder, Southbound 65, and the Tippecanoe Ancient Fife and Drum Corps.
Concession stands operated by the Purdue Memorial Union Food Service will sell soft drinks, hot dogs and chips from 5 p.m. to dark on the hillside at Slayter Center.
Purdue's Department of Aviation Technology also will sponsor an air show during the July Fourth weekend. The public is invited to the Purdue Airport before the July 4 concert to see vintage war planes from World War II. The Boilermaker Special, the official mascot of Purdue, will provide free rides from Slayter Hill to the airport between 3 and 6 p.m. The steam locomotive replica is operated and maintained by the Purdue Reamer Club, a student organization.
Purdue police Capt. Steven R. Dietrich said motorists should be alert to closed streets near Slayter Center on July 4, and should watch for temporary one-way routes and detours before and after the concert and fireworks display.
"Due to the popularity and scope of the evening, drivers should be patient in leaving campus after the celebration," Dietrich said. "All local police agencies will be working cooperatively to expedite traffic flow from campus and through the two cities."
Dietrich said public parking options include the lot north of Ross-Ade Stadium, the lot north of the Armory, the University Street and Northwestern Avenue parking garages, and the Intramural Playing Fields at Airport Road and Indiana State Road 26. Since July 4 is an official university holiday, restrictions on parking in permit-only lots and garages campuswide will not be in effect, except for 24-hour reserved spaces.
Dietrich said the Preferred Parking Pass sold by the community planning committee will allow motorists to park in reserved lots north and south of Slayter Center and the lot west of the Recreational Gymnasium (Co-Rec), with a temporary lot south of Wiley Hall designated for overflow reserved parking. Marked handicapped parking again will be available just south of Slayter Center in the lot east of Rankin Track and Field, with additional spaces west of Owen Hall.
Dietrich said picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome at Slayter Center. Pets, alcohol, fireworks and barbecue grills are prohibited.
Rain date for the "Stars and Stripes" celebration is Saturday, July 5.
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
