Red, White, Blue and Boom: 4th of July Fireworks in the South

What’s a 4th of July celebration without an incredible display of fireworks? There are numerous opportunities for you to celebrate the holiday “booms” around the South. Here’s a brief glance of some of them in the region.

• Enjoy an evening of live entertainment capped off with fireworks at Memorial Stadium (map) in Columbia, Mo. In its 58th year, the 4th of July Fire in the Sky also features children’s activities and more. The event is free, and the gates open at 6:30 p.m., with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• It’s a celebration Texas-style at the Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks in Houston. Encompassing Buffalo Bayou and Eleanor Tinsley Park, the event features a little of everything from military displays to live entertainment to children’s activities and much more. The festivities kick-off at 7 p.m. on the 4th with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. With a donation of a can of food for the Houston Food Bank, admission is free (one can/person), without a donation the cost is $8/person (children, ages 2 and under are free.)
• Ridgeland, Miss., is hosting “Celebrate America” Balloon Glow in Friday, July 2. Taking place near Northpark Mall (map), this event features both “glowing” hot air balloons and fireworks. The balloons begin their glow at 8 p.m., with fireworks at 9:45 p.m. You can also enjoy live entertainment through the evening as well. Everything begins at 5:30 p.m.
• Get ready for fireworks at Patriot Park  in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. On July 3, the 20th annual Patriot Festival begins at 2 p.m. Offering something for everyone, the free event has live entertainment, food and children’s activities. Of course, the evening concludes with a fireworks display.
• It’s home to one of the most patriotic parades in the country, and also has a whole slew of other activities to keep you entertained until fireworks time. The N.C. 4th of July Festival in Southport kicks off on Thursday, July 1 and continues through Monday, July 5, the date of the parade and fireworks. Expect a little bit of everything during the festival, from arts and crafts, live entertainment, tours and re-enactments.
• Step into history during An American Celebration at Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens (map) in Virginia. Scheduled for July 4, activities begin at 9:30 a.m. with General Washington’s Inspection of the Troops, and includes daytime fireworks (12:45 p.m.), birthday cake and Revolutionary War Military Drill (2:45 p.m.) All 4th of July celebration activities are included in the general admission price, $15/adults, $7/children, ages 6-11, and free/children, ages 5 and under.

photo credit: Old Glory, flickr, creative commons by tkksummers