Ever since I was a little kid, covering my ears to avoid the BOOMS of fireworks, I have loved the Fourth of July (yes, I’ve always loved fireworks despite my sensitive ears). July 4th meant swimming, parks, BBQs, family and friends, and a magnificent fireworks show. I’ve seen Independence Day celebrations in 5 states and in Washington DC, and they always stir me.
This year, I’ve heard about an incredible new Fourth of July show in Atlantic City, just 3 1/2 hours away from Washington DC. The Atlantic City Alliance (ACA), along with the new media and entertainment studio, Moment Factory, developed a brand new 3D projection show to be shown on the façade of Boardwalk Hall. Not only is the show visually spectacular, but it’s FREE entertainment to Boardwalk visitors. The show kicks off this week with the 4th of July celebrations, but the Sound and Light Show will be a permanent installation to Atlantic City to provide entertainment every night, all year long.
A Few Facts About the Atlantic City Sound and Light Show:
- The sound and light show premiers Wednesday, July 4, shortly after the fireworks show around 9:30 p.m.
- The free show will run twice per hour, and lasts for approximately 8 ½ minutes. It is best seen from Kennedy Plaza on the boardwalk.
- A light show is architecturally consistent with the building. When Boardwalk Hall was first built in 1929, novel approaches to theatrical lighting were incorporated into the structure. The 196,000 square-foot barrel ceiling of aluminum painted tiles became the reflector for a dazzling show of lighting technology, anticipating the future of using artificial light to enhance and define exterior and interior space. The design brought an “electric sun” inside the auditorium, creating entertainment for tourists, and further highlighting the building’s grandeur.
- When Boardwalk Hall was first built in 1929, inscriptions were carved into the limestone above the façade, summarizing the building’s commitment to recreation, social progress and industrial achievements as well as its use for festivities, athletics, education, science, art and industry. The dynamic sound and light show evokes the history of Atlantic City with a nod to these characteristics woven throughout.
- This is the first permanent lighting installation of its kind in Atlantic City. Moment Factory has designed other multimedia light and sound shows around the world, including on the façade of the Ottawa Parliament building, as well as installations in Vancouver, Montreal and Lyon (France). Moment Factory is also responsible for the light show accompanying Celine Dion’s Las Vegas show, and Madonna’s current MDNA world tour.
- The design and production of the show took three months and over 35 team members to create. The team is led by Genevieve Forest (Producer) and Nelson de Robles (Multimedia Director). It is a permanent installation and the show music, theme and lightning colors will change throughout the year.
- There are twelve 20,000 lumen video projectors installed on the façade of Boardwalk Hall, and a surround sound speaker system that will bring the building itself to life during the presentation. Special care had to be taken to not compromise the integrity of historic Boardwalk Hall, and the installation took two weeks and 14 specialized technicians to put in place.
- The show will also feature an original music score created by musician and composer Vincent Letellier. Using Boardwalk Hall as a canvas, the multimedia show reflects the personality of Atlantic City and is meant to be an uplifting and joyful experience for all visitors to the boardwalk.
FREE activities to do in Atlantic City with your family
In addition to the new light and sound show (did I mention it’s free?) here are some more FREE things to do with your family in Atlantic City:
- Free Jazz on the Beach Summer Concerts at Kennedy Plaza on Thursday nights (7-10pm during July and August)
- Atlantic City Beaches – with no beach fees
- The Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder Over the Boardwalk” (my boys would LOVE this!)
- Farmers Market at Center City Park – July 5 through Sept 29
- Stroll around the AC Boardwalk
- Enjoy free movies on the beach with Movies Under the Stars – at various locations on the beach on Sunday, Monday and Fridays.
- The Water Show at the end of The Pier Shops – water shows happen every hour!
There’s a TON more to do in Atlantic City (this is just a sampling). Have you been to Atlantic City before? What was your favorite activity?
Disclosure: This post is brought to you with the support of the Atlantic City Alliance. Join the conversation about the new Atlantic City at #HowIDoAC on Twitter. Find AtlanticCityNJ on Facebook and @visitAC on Twitter.
© 2012, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
I’m heading to the south Jersey Shore next month. It’s one of my favorite summer hangouts. I’m hoping to spend at least one day in AC!