Sparks in the Park to be replaced by fireworks, religious event on July 4

TEXARKANA, Ark. — Texarkanians can watch a fireworks display on July 4, but the traditional Sparks in the Park event will not take place, in part because of coronavirus concerns.

Instead, an interchurch ministry called Texarkana United will hold a downtown freedom rally billed as a “peaceful prayer rally and protest against spiritual darkness and evil in our land” and featuring Christian music, according to organizer Tracy Jones.

The fireworks will be launched from a spot where they will be visible in a 2-mile radius, including downtown Texarkana, he said.

“The actual launch of the fireworks will not be a public event. You’ll just be able to see them over the city skyline, and that has a lot to do with the COVID,” Jones said. “We’re going to be down there having worship music, different kinds of music celebrating our God and our country, and praying promises over the land to create God’s word over our city.”

The event will be among eight regional cities’ Independence Day celebrations televised as part of KTBS’ Freedom Fest on Shreveport, Louisiana’s Channel 3.

Both a lack of sponsorship and social distancing protocols made the usual gathering impossible this year. But an outdoor gathering downtown will allow enough space for safety from coronavirus spread, Jones said.

A $10,000 allocation from the city’s Advertising and Promotion Commission to the Parks Department will fund the fireworks display.

The event will take place from 3 p.m. until the fireworks show at about 9:15 p.m. on July 4.