Pearl River County residents can celebrate Independence Day close to home with a fireworks display to be put on by the McNeill Volunteer Fire Department.
The event will be held in the field at the intersection of Highway 11 and Sones Chapel Road in McNeill on July 4.
McNeill VFD Fire Chief Donnie Leonard said the department was able to raise enough funds through sponsors to hold the annual event again this year.
Lee’s Chapel Baptist Church #1 will bring the entertainment for before the fireworks show and has already set up an 18-wheeler truck bed as the stage. That entertainment will include Pam Frierson of McNeill, who will take the stage at 6 p.m.
Then, at 7 p.m. Big Blessin of Lucedale will entertain the crowd.
Leonard said the fireworks show will start at dark, which he estimates will be at about 8:45 p.m.
Organizers of the event ask that alcohol not be brought to the event in order to maintain a family friendly atmosphere, Leonard said. Two off duty deputies will be at the event to ensure alcohol consumption does not occur.
This event has traditionally served as the department’s primary fund raising event. This year those funds will go towards a new fire truck and equipment for the department. Leonard said the new truck is expected to cost $264,000 and should arrive at the department in August.
At the end of Tuesday’s fireworks show, members of the volunteer fire department will conduct a boot shake to collect donations from attendees.
Everyone in Pearl River County is invited to attend the event.