On Sunday, Sept. 4, not only will more than 250,000 Boomsday XVIII spectators view the nation's largest Labor Day fireworks show, but they'll also have the opportunity to lend a helping hand to thousands of Hurricane Katrina victims hundreds miles away in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

During a press conference at Volunteer Landing, the location of Boomsday XVIII, Mayor Bill Haslam, Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation and Red Cross Knoxville announced the details of the Boomsday "Labor of Love" Hurricane Relief Drive scheduled to take place during Boomsday XVIII.

"As we celebrate this Labor Day weekend with the kick off of the UT Football season and an evening of fireworks, I know that all of us will be thinking of our fellow citizens who are suffering in Louisiana and Mississippi," Mayor Haslam said.

Donations of cash and checks for the American Red Cross (ARC) will be collected from Boomsday XVIII attendees at two clearly marked, ARC-approved, secure drop-off tents on Neyland Drive from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. during the Boomsday XVIII festivities. Please note NO ONE will be going through the crowd collecting money - please give to the sanctioned Red Cross workers at the booths only.

The booth locations are on Neyland Drive near the Tennessee Grill and also on Neyland Drive between the Henley Street Bridge and the pedestrian bridge.

Checks to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina should be made out to the Knoxville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. Donations at Boomsday XVIII must be in the form of either cash or check.