Finding ways to celebrate Independence Day is easy in the Pine Belt with several fireworks displays scheduled for the holiday weekend.
Here’s a look at some of the events taking place in and around Hattiesburg this year:
Star-Spangled Celebration
In its fourth year, the cities of Hattiesburg and Petal are joining forces to offer a Star-Spangled Celebration on the River with events on both sides of the Leaf River.
The events will take place between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday at Chain Park in Hattiesburg and River Park in Petal.
There will be a fireworks display over the river at 9 p.m.
The family-friendly events will feature live music, activities, a kids’ zone and food vendors on both sides of the Leaf River.
Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Pets, glass, tents, personal fireworks and coolers are not permitted. Parking onsite is limited, but offsite parking with shuttle service will be available.
Live music in Petal and Hattiesburg include:
Petal River Park
- 6-7:30 p.m.: Jacob Arnold & the Bird Dogs
- 7:30-9 p.m.: Hub City Sound Machine
Hattiesburg Chain Park
- 6-7 p.m.: Fun K
- 7-8 p.m.: Grits and Greens
- 8-9 p.m.: Taste of 59 South
The event is organized by the Downtown Hattiesburg Association and the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce and made possible by Coca-Cola of Hattiesburg, Forrest County Board of Supervisors and VisitHattiesburg.
For more information, visit starspangledevent.com.
Celebrate America
Temple Baptist Church holds a communitywide Fourth of July celebration and picnic each year on the church grounds.
The event is free and open to the public.
Celebrate America features a number of family-friendly activities, live music, dunking booths, games, food vendors, fireworks and more. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for seating.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday. The church is located at 5220 Old Highway 11.
Annual fireworks show
Paul B. Johnson State Park hosts the area’s longest-running fireworks show, held annually at the park on the Fourth of July.
Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Monday, but attendees can arrive early to explore the park, swim in the lake or cool off at the splash pad.
There will be a shaved-ice vendor at the event.
Admission is $10 per vehicle to the park and $6 to $8 per person for the splash pad.
The park is located on Geiger Lake Road off U.S. 49, south of Hattiesburg.
Fireworks at the campground
Little Black Creek Campground and Park near Lumberton will hold its annual Fourth of July event on Saturday.
The campground opens at 5 p.m. for picnicking and family activities. The fireworks display will begin shortly after dark.
Admission is $10 per vehicle.
Patriotic Party
Sumrall will hold its annual Patriotic Party Monday at Lion’s Park.
There will be a 5K run that starts at 7 a.m.
The official event kicks off at 10 a.m. with a parade. Other activities include a cornhole tournament, live auction and live music throughout the day. A fair at the park will feature a number of vendors
Blankets and lawn chairs are recommended for seating. No pets, glass, tents or personal fireworks are allowed.
Hunter Riley will perform from 3-5 p.m. Cadie Calhoun will take the stage from 6-9 p.m.
A fireworks display will follow at 9 p.m.
Admission is free.
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