Topline
The Kennedy Center is offering a limited, $25,000 ticket package to experience Fourth of July fireworks on its roof terrace in Washington, D.C., providing the pricey option as President Donald Trump has promised the “LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY” in the Capitol on Saturday.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center’s “Presidential” package costs $25,000 for up to 36 guests and offers three premier reserved tables, “Prominent on-site signage recognition” and a “Presidential Sponsor in the commemorative Fireworks on the Fourth event map,” according to the Kennedy Center website.
All other packages for the event include one or two reserved tables on the roof terrace, “exceptional” food and drink, activities, access to an air-conditioned lounge, complimentary parking at the Kennedy Center and close access to National Mall festivities.
Other offerings include the $15,000 “Vice Presidential” package for 24 guests, a $7,500 “Statesman” package for 12 guests, a $600 “Red Pass” for one guest and a $425 “Blue Pass,” while children’s passes will cost $125 each.
The Kennedy Center notes all packages besides child passes are tax deductible, noting $18,912 of the $25,000 “Presidential” package is tax deductible.
Tangent
The hot weather battering D.C. and the rest of the East Coast this week will continue into July 4. The National Weather Service has forecast a high of 103 degrees Fahrenheit for D.C. on Saturday alongside “likely” showers.
Key Background
Trump said last month he would launch the “LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY,” one of several festivities his administration has sought to host during celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. The Great American State Fair kicked off last week, though the 16-day event has been hindered by weather shutdowns, technical difficulties and low attendance. The majority of the fair’s scheduled music performers dropped out weeks before it began, with some of the artists voicing concerns the event had become too partisan. Trump’s $14.7 million Reflecting Pool makeover is also part of the broader 250th anniversary celebrations. The renovation has run into several problems including algae blooms and peeling blue material, which the Trump administration has blamed on vandals. Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn was indicted Thursday on a charge of destruction of property, though he has maintained he did not remove anything from the pool after grabbing a piece of peeled sealant. Trump will hold a rally scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m. EDT on Independence Day.
Further Reading
Former Olympian David Hearn Indicted On Reflecting Pool Vandalism Charge—Could Face 10 Years In Prison (Forbes)
Trump’s Great American State Fair Faces Confederate Flag Controversy And Sparse Crowds (Forbes)