Ford Kicks Off 100th Anniversary With the Classics: Classic Cars, Classical Music and a World-Class Fireworks Display

DEARBORN, Mich., March 9, 2003; The renowned Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) will ignite Ford Motor Company's THE ROAD IS OURS 100th Anniversary Celebration concert series Friday, June 13 on the grounds of the Henry Ford II World Center in Dearborn. For this historic celebration the DSO will perform a selection of pop, jazz and classical tunes accompanied by a dazzling fireworks display.

The DSO is one of the most widely heard orchestras in the nation, with more than one million listeners each week on nearly 500 radio stations.

The "first family of fireworks," Zambelli Fireworks Internationale of New Castle, Pa., will produce the pyrotechnics show. For more than 100 years, millions of spectators have enjoyed Zambelli's artistry at presidential inaugurals, Super Bowls and the Detroit-Windsor International Freedom Festival.

"Classical music, classic cars and a world-class fireworks show are a terrific way to launch our centennial celebration," said Jim O'Connor, group vice president, Ford North America Marketing, Sales and Service.

Ford's five-day celebration concert series also features Beyonce Knowles, lead singer of the multi-Grammy winning pop R&B group Destiny's Child, who will perform Saturday, June 14. Country music superstar and devout Ford Truck man, Toby Keith will close out the concert series on Sunday, June 15.

Tickets to THE ROAD IS OURS 100th Anniversary Celebration are available on-line by accessing the 100th anniversary Web site at www.ford.com or by calling 1-866-4-100-FORD. Tickets are $24.95 per person (children age 12 and under are admitted free when accompanying a paying adult). Employees and retirees receive a discounted price of $19.95.

Each ticket purchase includes credentials for entry all five days, which gives access to all activities, concerts and displays -- including the DSO performance. Those who purchase tickets in advance will receive a daily assigned parking area and shuttle service to and from the event grounds, an opportunity to display their classic Ford car or truck, discounted admission and free shuttle service to local attractions, including Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Estate - Fairlane, and Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, a 100th anniversary commemorative coin, and discounts on 100th Anniversary merchandise.

For more event information or to purchase tickets, visit the company's 100th anniversary Web site at www.ford.com .