Fourth of July celebrations will start with a bang Friday in Columbus.
The annual Fireworks on the Water event will be held at the Stennis Lock and Dam Friday night. Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Nancy Carpenter said the event, which is jointly sponsored by the CVB, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Columbus Air Force Base, and city of Columbus, is expected to draw 9,000 to 10,000 people.
Carpenter said an area for viewing Fireworks on the Water will be set up on the Lock and Dam’s east bank. To get there, travelers can take Lock and Dam Road west off of Highway 45 until they reach the east bank. Carpenter said the road would be restricted to outbound traffic after the fireworks show.
People can also watch the fireworks from the west bank, or on boats in the water.
Carpenter said people can begin arriving as early as 4 to 4:30 p.m. The event will feature vendors selling food, activities for children and live entertainment.
Fireworks will begin after dark.
Carpenter said guests are encouraged to bring blankets or quilts to sit on. Personal coolers are permitted. She said organizers ask that no pets, personal fireworks or firearms are brought to Fireworks on the Water.
“I think we’re in really good shape,” Carpenter said. “Set up will begin on Wednesday with getting the stage up. We really do think it’s going to be a great, family friendly atmosphere.”
Starkville
Starkville will hold its annual fireworks show at the Sportsplex, on Lynn Lane, the evening of the Fourth of July.
Starkville Parks Director Herman Peters said free hot dogs and ice cream will be provided beginning at 6 p.m., and jumpers and games for children will be available.
John Robert Arnold will sing at about 7:40 p.m. Peters said the event will feature additional music from Columbus group “Cruise Control” and entertainment for guests in the “running man challenge.”
Fireworks will start at about 9 p.m., and Peters said guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and non-alcoholic drinks. No personal fireworks are allowed.
Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman said the fireworks show is a tradition the city looks forward to each year.
“We look forward to the Fourth of July festivities each and every year,” Wiseman said. “It’s a wonderful time to celebrate all that it means to be an American and all that it means to live in Starkville.”
Area Fourth of July events
July 1
■ Fireworks on the Water, Columbus Lock & Dam:
Setup begins as early as 4 p.m.; fireworks begin after dark
July 3
■ Magnolia Motor Speedway, Columbus: Race begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by fireworks and a concert by the band “Trademark”
July 4
■ Plantation Pointe, Columbus: Fireworks starting after dark. Guests encouraged to arrive at around 7 p.m.
■ Fireworks and music, Starkville Sportsplex:
Food and entertainment begins at 6 p.m.; fireworks will start around 9 p.m.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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