Fair St. Louis brings fireworks, music to Forest Park | Belleville News-Democrat

Fair St. Louis is back in Forest Park this year, following a successful move from the St. Louis riverfront last year.

America’s biggest birthday party will be open Thursday through Saturday, featuring three nights of fireworks, the Veiled Prophet Parade, non-stop entertainment, the Family Festival Zone, a zip line, the STEAM exhibit — and free admission.

133rd Veiled Prophet Parade: It steps off at 9:45 a.m. Saturday from The Muny on Theatre Drive in Forest Park and will wind westward through the park. KMOV-TV will broadcast the parade at The Muny. Barry Williams, who played Greg Brady in “The Brady Bunch” and who headlines the ’70s Music Celebration variety show in Branson, Mo., is the grand marshal.

The parade will include 17 floats with performance groups — from “A Day at the Zoo” with the University of Missouri St. Louis West African Drumming Ensemble to “Pirates of the Grand Basin” with pirates and scallywags aboard — plus balloons and other parade units. Thirteen high school bands, including Belleville East, Collinsville, Mater Dei, O’Fallon and Alton will participate in the parade and the Liberty Drum Challenge, which will be judged at locations along the parade route.

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Music headliners: Chris Young, will bring his classic baritone voice and heart-melting country ballads to the Budweiser stage at 8:45 a.m. Thursday. Blondie will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. Friday, followed by Melissa Etheridge at 8:30. Kool & the Gang will round out the “Celebration” at 8:45 p.m. Saturday.

Fireworks: Spectacular fireworks shows will follow the headline musical acts at 10 p.m. all three nights. The best spot to watch them is Art Hill.

STEAM Exhibit: A hands-on exhibit showcasing science, technology, engineering, art and math. It features a variety of interactive experiences to give a real life connection and inspiration to both kids and adults. Families can create their own fireworks in a tube and learn how to make stomp rockets at home. Fairgoers can connect with Fontbonne University’s robotics and computer science programs, while you can learn about the unique relationship between taco sauce and pennies and find out how great ideas become patents.

Zip Line: The longest and tallest mobile zip line will be set up along Lagoon Drive at the base of the Grand Basin. Thrill-seeking fairgoers will have the chance to ride the zip line high over Forest Park and take in majestic views of the Grand Basin and Art Hill. Cost is $10.

Getting there: Admission to the fair is through designated entrances only. Parking on designated lots within the park is free until noon Thursday and until 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday. After that, it will cost $30 to park in Forest Park lots. The use of MetroLink and a shuttle from the Chaifetz Arena parking lots are strongly encouraged. Maps plus MetroLink and shuttle schedules and bike paths are available at www.fairsaintlouis.org.

What you can bring to the fair: Blankets, umbrellas, baby strollers and wagons, diaper bags, collapsible chairs, one factory-sealed water bottle up to 1 liter, empty plastic water bottle, binoculars, pocket-size/still camera equipment, service animals. All items are subject to inspection.

What you can't bring: Alcoholic beverages; glass, metal or unsealed containers over 1 liter; coolers; large containers; weapons; explosives or fireworks; illegal substances; pets; bicycles, skateboards, scooters or personalized motor vehicles; professional recording or photography equipment.