Contact: Heather George, lovio george, 313.832.2210 x14, 248.417.5773 (mobile), [email protected] Bridget Burns, lovio george, 313.832.2210 x29, 313.218.2505 (mobile), [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE FORD FIREWORKS TO LIGHT UP THE DETROIT SKYLINE ON MONDAY, JUNE 23 DETROIT (6 June 2014) – The Ford Fireworks will light up the sky, Monday, June 23, at 10:06 p.m., with views of the Detroit River in downtown Detroit. Created and produced by The Parade Company, this annual event now in its 56th year, attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators for one of the most anticipated summer nights in Detroit. “We are extremely grateful for Ford Motor Company’s continued support of The Parade Company and look forward to working together on this Detroit tradition,” said Tony Michaels, president and CEO, The Parade Company. “Ford consistently strives to make the Detroit region stronger. This partnership speaks volumes of their commitment to our community.” Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund have a long history of supporting The Parade Company. In 2013, Ford introduced its new float, Driving A Brighter Future, during the America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Art Van. Ford has served as the official vehicle of America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Art Van since 2011, and Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford and his wife, Lisa, have previously served as parade grand marshals. 2013 marked the inaugural year that Ford Motor Company served as the title sponsor of The Ford Fireworks. “Ford Motor Company is honored to partner with The Parade Company to support one of Detroit’s signature annual events,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “Ford is deeply committed to our community, and we are proud to be a part of bringing people together to celebrate our great city.” The Parade Company will bring in Zambelli Fireworks Internationale to feature more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects visible for miles along the Detroit River. This year’s show will be choreographed by the worldrenowned Patrick Brault, who has designed pyrotechnic displays internationally, including the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The Parade Company’s multiyear partnership with Ford includes presenting sponsorship of The Parade Company’s Official Rooftop Party during The Ford Fireworks. It also includes title sponsorship of one of Detroit’s premier events, Hob Nobble Gobble at Ford Field, and a strong presence in America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Art Van. The Ford Fireworks can be viewed on WDIV-Local 4’s live broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. News/Talk 760 WJR will do a special radio simulcast throughout the event and provide up-to-the-minute traffic and weather information throughout the day. For more information on The Parade Company events, visit www.theparade.org. About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 183,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com. –more– About The Parade Company Founded in 1984, The Parade Company is a not-for-profit organization governed by the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation whose board of directors is comprised of key civic and corporate leaders in the greater Detroit region. The Parade Company is celebrating 88 years of Parade tradition in Detroit. The mission is to fund, create and execute the best family events in metro Detroit. The Parade Company staff, the board of directors and thousands of parade volunteers work year-round to bring a wide variety of magnificent events to the City of Detroit including The Ford ® Fireworks and America's Thanksgiving Parade presented by Art Van. Follow The Parade Company on Facebook and Twitter. ###