Even Fourth of July celebrations allow for sparks of expression of a community’s individuality as residents come together to honor unity and the nation’s birth.

    Musical entertainment, children’s activities, food and, of course, fireworks are planned for the city of Meridian’s Fourth of July Celebration Sunday at Bonita Lakes.

    “We just want everyone to come out and enjoy themselves – there’s something for everyone,” said Connie Royal, Cultural Affairs director.

    Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with free parking at the spillway until it’s full. Free shuttle service from the mall area will be available, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

    “We’ll pick up people in and around the area of Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts and OfficeMax,” Royal said. “The shuttle will run back and forth.”

    The Fourth of July observance will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the Presentation of Colors by local Boy Scouts, followed by a welcome from Mayor Cheri Barry. From 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., patriotic music will be performed by local musicians.

    Two hours of musical entertainment will be presented by COMPOZITIONZ, a five-member male vocal group based out of Jackson.

    Formed while students at Jackson State University, COMPOZITIONZ started out as JSU’s Performing Quartet. One more member was later added and from there the ensemble made the commitment to expand their music beyond the confines of Mississippi and to share their special brand of music.

    COMPOZITIONZ has fused rhythm and blues, gospel, jazz and classical genres of music. The Jackson natives have traveled the nation performing with and for such musical icons as Michael Bolton, Grace Bumbry, Cassandra Wilson, Peabo Bryson, Ronald Isley, The O’Jay’s and an array of artists from Germany, Sweden and Italy.

    In March 2002, COMPOZITIONZ began to perfect their live performances to appeal to audiences from ages 8 years old to 80. With strong, Southern-root based voices, armed with steps inspired by the mighty Temptations, COMPOZITIONZ launched themselves into a whole new era of their musical undertaking.

    COMPOZITIONZ will perform from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.

    At 8 p.m., a fly over will be presented by Naval Air Station Meridian, followed by a 15-minute fireworks display at 9 p.m.

    Food vendors will be set up at the lower and upper lake. A variety of fare will be available to suit every appetite, including catfish and chicken baskets, fried Moon Pies, hamburgers and hot dogs, sausage dogs, nachos, snowballs, carmel corn, blooming onions and fish sandwiches.

    Children’s activities will include Spider Jump and Bungee Jump inflatables.

    “There will be a charge for food and children’s activities,” Royal said.

    Those attending may bring their own picnic, as well as lawn chairs and blankets.