Fireworks on tap Saturday

Published 7:00 am Thursday, July 2, 2015

FIREWORKS SHOW: There are several Fourth of July celebrations featuring a fireworks show. Photo by Jeremy Pittari.

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA: Several local Fourth of July celebrations, featuring fireworks, will take place this Saturday. Photo by Jeremy Pittari.

Residents will get to experience the sights and sounds of fireworks in their own backyard. Several Fourth of July celebrations featuring fireworks, food and family fun will take place on Saturday.

In Pearl River County, the McNeill Volunteer Fire Department is hosting their annual fireworks show starting at dark in the field across from the McNeill Post Office.

Chief Donny Leonard Sr. said the fireworks show will last around 20 to 30 minutes.

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In the past, the department would host huge fundraisers, which would feature food, prizes and live entertainment. Leonard said they’ve recently cut back on those extras due to lack of community donations.

“It used to be a big event and while we’ve been doing this for years we can’t afford it because we’re not getting as much donations as we used to,” Leonard said.

After the show, the department plans to host a boot shake fundraiser to raise funds for the department. The station is located at 106 Library St.

The gated community of Hide-A-way Lake in Carriere will be hosting a private fireworks celebration for residents and their families. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., said Bruce Devillier, the HAWL general manager.

In northern Hancock County, Crane Creek Baptist Church will host their annual Fourth of July celebration starting at 7:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Necaise Crossing Ball Park located near the intersection of Highway 603 and 53.

The church has hosted the event for the past 20 years, Bro. Harry Davis said.

“The firework display usually lasts 15 minutes and for the past five years we’ve never had less than 2,000 people attend,” Davis said.

Residents who plan to attend are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the fireworks show. Food will also be available.

Local fire officials would like to remind residents to practice firework safety during the holiday.