BALTIMORE'S BELOVED DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP MONUMENT LIGHTING ADDS A STUNNING NEW FINALE: FIREWORKS!

BELLPORT, NY (December 1, 2015) – What began as a quiet gathering of Baltimore neighbors over four decades ago, the annual Downtown Partnership Monument Lighting has grown to become one of the metropolitan region’s favorite holiday events. Thousands of people travel to historic Mount Vernon each year to take part in the beloved tradition and welcome the winter holiday season together, while tens of thousands watch on television. For the first time, the culminating event will include a spectacular pyrotechnical performance by the world renowned Fireworks by Grucci.

“We’re incredibly pleased that Grucci is designing the fireworks finale for this year’s Downtown Partnership Monument Lighting,” said Kirby Fowler, Downtown Partnership President. “The Monument Lighting has been a beloved Baltimore tradition for four decades. This storied event, and the huge crowds it draws, deserve the best, which is why we chose to work with Grucci.”

“As a family company, we have a natural love of performing for families, particularly at events as steeped in tradition as the Downtown Monument Lighting is,” said Phil Grucci, President and Creative Director of Fireworks by Grucci. “We are honored to help bring this beloved event in a new direction with a pyrotechnical finale. A lot of attention has been put in the design of this performance in order to make it a truly unforgettable evening.”

At 7:45 pm, a family specially chosen by Baltimore’s Ronald McDonald House will flip the switch that lights the Monument and kicks off the fireworks display. The Grucci Fireworks Performance App will allow onlookers to listen to synchronized music from wherever they are watching. It is best suited for viewers using earbuds or headphones who can see the event but otherwise cannot hear the soundtrack. Search and download the free “Fireworks by Grucci” app from your iPhone app store or Google Play for Androids.

Prior to the illumination, a holiday village featuring food vendors will open in Mount Vernon’s West Park at 4:00 pm. Kids can enjoy art projects, face painting, and pictures with Santa. Stage entertainment begins at 6 pm. Before and after the event, people are invited to enjoy the Mt. Vernon Marketplace, located just two blocks away at 520 Park Avenue. Downtown’s newest food destination features more than a dozen specialty chefs serving up seasonal favorites.

The event is produced by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and supported by Chick Fil A Inner Harbor, Horseshoe Casino, Midtown Baltimore, Mix 106.5, Mt. Vernon Marketplace, Mount Vernon Place Conservancy, Select Events Group, Sir Speedy BWI, and Transdev. The Baltimore Office of Promotion and The Arts and the Baltimore Department of Recreation and Parks are event partners. Special thanks to the Marriott Inner Harbor, Marriott Waterfront, and Renaissance Harborplace hotels.

For more information, visit GoDowntownBaltimore.com or call 410-244-1030.

What: 44TH Annual Downtown Partnership Monument Lighting

When: Thursday, December 3, 2015

Parks and Beer Garden open at 4 p.m.

Holiday Village opens at 5 p.m.

Stage entertainment begins at 6 p.m.

Lighting occurs at 7:45 p.m.

Where: Washington Monument / Mt. Vernon West Park (600 block of Cathedral Street) – Downtown Baltimore (MD)

NOTE: Because of road closures and the fireworks safety zone, the public is encouraged to enter Mt. Vernon’s West Park from Cathedral Street, not from the Charles Street closest to the Monument.