Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Terry Freeman
June 20, 2002	USC Communication Services
	(719) 549-2219

USC FOURTH WILL BE FIREWORKS-FREE Pueblo, Colo. - Officials at the University of Southern Colorado announced today that because of dangerously dry conditions throughout Colorado, the annual Music Fest Fourth of July Celebration this year will not include fireworks. USC Provost Barbara Montgomery said that "While we will miss the fireworks this year, the events at the University will focus on the more important Fourth of July tradition of coming together to celebrate our wonderful country and community. The festivities on campus will provide more than enough entertainment, colorful displays, and excitement to make up for the missing fireworks!" "As a good neighbor in southeastern Colorado, hosting a fireworks-free event was the only responsible course of action for the University," said Russ Meyer, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. "But even without fireworks, we expect a major celebration to take place here on the campus," added Meyer, "and we want to invite everyone be a part of it." Taste of the Fest begins at 5 p.m., featuring foods prepared by various restaurants throughout Pueblo. A free outdoor concert, a tribute to the Beatles, featuring the group Yesterday and the Pueblo Symphony will start at 8:30 p.m. at the Hasan Outdoor Stage. Organizers originally planned to charge a parking fee for the event, but that has been dropped, according to Meyer. Campus parking will be free.