On the Fourth of July, two local venues are hosting celebrations for the patriotic holiday, the McNeill Volunteer Fire Department and Crane Creek Baptist Church in Hancock County.

McNeill Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Donny Leonard said their celebration is free and will be held near the fire station in a large field located at the corner of Highway 11 and Sones Chapel Road. The event starts on the Fourth at 4:00 p.m. The celebration will include multiple live gospel bands during the countdown to the fireworks show, which starts at dusk.

The fire department holds this annual celebration as a fundraiser to help fund long-term goals for the department, said Leonard. Also, they are looking for local businesses to sponsor the event.

Lee’s Chapel Baptist Church #1, in Millcreek, is providing two local gospel singers that will start performing around 5:00 p.m. The local performers include Pam Frierson and Brother Don Milly. After that, gospel bands Big Blessin’ and Beyond Blessed will perform the rest of the day until the fireworks show begins, said Brad Frazier, who is helping the fire department with the event along with his wife, Katie Frazier.

In the past, Leonard said this celebration would bring around 2,000 people each year, something he wants to see happen again.

“We are excited this year to once again host the Fourth of July celebration. With the help of Lee’s Chapel Baptist Church, we expect the event to be lots of fun for people of all ages,” said Leonard.

To compliment the live music, concessions such as BBQ sandwiches, hotdogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes and more will be available, Brad Frazier said.

The fire department asks that people bring a lawn chair and feel free to bring a tent for shade. Also, dress comfortably and make sure to not bring any alcohol. For safety reasons, there will be two sheriff’s department deputies on-site.

At the end of the fireworks celebration there will be a chance to donate funds to the fire department.

For residents located closer to Perkinston, Mississippi in Hancock County, a celebration will be hosted by Crane Creek Baptist Church starting at 7 p.m. at the Necaise Crossing Ball Park at the intersection of Highway 603 and Highway 53.

The church asks that people bring a lawn chair and blankets to watch the fireworks in a family fun atmosphere. The event is free as well and will host Christian music artist Brother Jason Runnels as the day’s entertainment. Concessions will also be sold.