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Cool-off in a Cool Space: 2nd Annual Market Square Water Balloon Fight Provides Summer Fun for the Community

For Immediate Release
July 23, 2008

Contact:
Brooke Rinier
(412) 325-0161
(724) 493-9093 cell
brinier@downtownpittsburgh.com

PITTSBURGH, PA – On Saturday, July 26, the energy level will be high in Market Square as the 2nd Annual Market Square Water Balloon Fight takes place. The event runs from 3 – 5 p.m. Last year, the event drew 350 attendees, marking it the City’s first-ever giant water balloon fight. This year, 10,000 balloons will be hurled through the air during separate battles for children and adults. Created and produced by local creative group, Picnic!, and sponsored by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Market Square, Zipcar and the Shadow Lounge, the water balloon fight is intended to be a fun, safe event, uniting the Pittsburgh community. In addition to the wet and wild fun, there will be live entertainment by local bands and DJs on the Market Square stage.

Event details:

  • Half of Market Square will be sectioned off as the “splash zone” where participants will sign in and battle with the balloons.
  • Live music starts at 3 p.m. with Joy Ike, followed by Omar Abdul and J. Malls of the Big Throwback at 3:45 and Thee Adora at 4:15 p.m.
  • 4 p.m. - children’s fight begins, followed by an adult fight.
  • Sidewalk chalk and toys for all to enjoy.
  • Water Balloon Fight is held rain or shine; in the case of thunder and lightning, the event will be moved to August 2.

Picnic! co-founders, Vivien Luk and Cleo Zell, developed the water balloon fight idea, and partnered with PDP’s Program and Events Manager, Kathleen Zawrotniak, to make it happen. “The water balloon fight is a perfect way to activate the space in Market Square and provide a unique way for Pittsburghers to celebrate the summer in Downtown Pittsburgh—one of America’s great urban centers,” said Zawrotniak.

Whether you’re a daring participant or curious bystander, be prepared to get splashed—or even soaked! After the event, enjoy the Square’s sidewalk cafés while listening to some great music as you dry off.

Additional information:

  • Run to Vote, a group of 5 high school kids and 2 teachers from North Carolina are traveling the country registering people to vote. For each person that registers or pledges to vote, a member of the running team will run .25 miles. This is taking place across the 48 states and the team will be coming through Pittsburgh on July 26. They’ll have a table set up in Market Square to register voters and obtain pledges. Visit www.aokassociates.com/runtovote/ for more information.
  • An Official After-Party will be held at Viper Soul Club @ Shadow Lounge at 10:00 p.m. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/vipersoulclub.

About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders, property owners, civic organizations, foundations and residents who provide energy, vision and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers and visitors alike. The PDP’s strategic initiatives include clean and safe services, transportation, housing and economic development and advocacy. For more information, visit www.DowntownPittsburgh.com.