Flags fly at Bonita Lakes for Meridian's 2016 Fourth of July celebration.

Meridian’s Fourth of July celebration promises to delight everyone with live music and a spectacular fireworks display over beautiful Bonita Lakes on Tuesday. The annual event also includes food, local entertainment, and family fun.

Festivities begin when the gates open at 3:30 p.m. and the official program starts at 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the popular band Music Fantasy performs a two-hour show featuring music from the big band era, hip hop, rock and roll, and patriotic favorites.

“This year we are excited about celebrating our Nation’s birthday and honoring those who serve our community and our country,” said Laura Carmichael, City of Meridian Cultural Affairs. “Meridian has been putting on a spectacular fireworks show on July 4 for more than two decades. Lighting up the sky over the waters of Bonita Lakes is truly a sight to see.”

At 9 p.m. a very special version of “America” will play as the fireworks spectacular explodes over the upper lake.

“Our parks and recreation, public works, public safety, police and fire departments do a great job organizing the event,” Carmichael said. “It is truly a team effort to put an event of this size together and it is our way of giving back to the citizens in our city and surrounding communities.”

Bonita Lakes will be closed on Monday, July 3 to prepare for the event.  

Food and other vendors open at 4 p.m. Tuesday A free shuttle is provided from the Tuesday Morning parking area at Bonita Lakes Mall to the Bonita Lakes main entrance beginning at 5:30 p.m.

“Everyone is invited to wear your red, white, and blue, wave your flags, and celebrate the spirit of July 4 at Bonita Lakes,” Carmichael said.

For more information call 601-485-1944.

Fireworks and celebrations planned around the region include:

East Mississippi/West Alabama

• July 1 – The largest Fireworks Show in Lauderdale County at the Mid-Season Championships at Whynot Motorsports Park. Adults $5, Kids 6-12 $5, Kids 5 and under free.

• July 3 – Fourth of July Fireworks at Archusa Creek Water Park in Quitman at 9 p.m. Live music by Old House from 6-9 p.m. Admission $5 per car.

• July 4 – City of Meridian’s July 4 Celebration at Bonita Lakes from 3:30-9:30 p.m. Food vendors open at 4 p.m. Music by Music Fantasy and other local artists. Parking available at Bonita Lakes and Bonita Lakes Mall. Free shuttle boarding at the Tuesday Morning parking lot at the mall starting at 5:30 p.m. FMI: Call Laura Carmichael, 601-485-1944.

• July 4 – Fireworks Spectacular at Pearl River Resort in Philadelphia starts at 9 p.m. Free admission – open to all ages.

• July 4 – The City of Demopolis, Ala., will have Freedom on the River from 3-10 p.m. at Demopolis City Landing. Parade, food vendors, live entertainment and fireworks. 

Farther out

• July 3 – The Mississippi Braves in Jackson will be hosting the “Super-Sized Independence Day Fireworks Show.” Once the game ends, the sky will light up with an explosion of various colors.

• July 3 – Sawmill Square Mall in Laurel will have their annual fireworks show at 9 p.m. Monday night in the mall parking lot.

• July 4 – Clinton hosts the 28th annual Family Fireworks Extravaganza. Entertainment, food, and fun! Clinton Traceway Park at 5:30 p.m.

• July 4 – Chillin’ on the River in Vicksburg – Fireworks on the river following a performance by The Chill at 7 p.m.

• July 4 – July Fireworks Show on the Mississippi River on the Natchez Bluff at Dusk.

Closings 

• Bonita Lakes will be closed Monday, July 3 to prepare for Meridian’s Fourth of July Celebration.

• Meridian Community College will be closed in recognition of the Independence Day holiday Monday and Tuesday, July 3 and 4. Term II classes on campus will begin Wednesday, July 5.

• The Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library will be closed in recognition of the Independence Day holiday Monday and Tuesday, July 3 and 4.

• The Lauderdale County Courthouse will be closed in recognition of the Independence Day holiday Monday and Tuesday.

• All city and county offices will be closed in recognition of the Independence Day holiday Monday and Tuesday.

• Federal offices (post offices, etc.) will be open on Monday but closed on Tuesday in recognition of the Independence Day Holiday.