Cities ready to fire up Fourth celebrations

Pyrotechnics and picnics mark patriotic events

Cities t hroughout DeSoto County are planning celebrations to mark Independence Day.

Activities actually kick off Wednesday evening, when Hernando will host a city-sanctioned, free fireworks show at the Civic Center ball fields complex south of the town square on Robertson Gin Road. The gathering starts at 7:45 p.m. with a simulcast of patriotic music on FM 99.5 and the fireworks dis- play starting at 9.

Sponsors include Shultz Xtruded Pipe, Children’s Dental Center, J. Cox Orthodontics, Walmart, Bob Leigh & Associates, Krewe of Hernando and Oak Tree Mini Storage.

“This is the first time the city officially has gotten behind a fireworks display,” said Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson, “and we’re looking forward to it.”

He said he won’t light a ceremonial first rocket or sparkler: “I’ll leave that to the professionals. I’ll just be sitting on the tailgate of my truck enjoying the show along with everyone else.”

Other DeSoto cities will host celebration Thursday, including:

Celebrate Freedom at Latimer Lakes Park in Horn Lake beginning at 5:30 p.m. The free show will include children’s activities, food and entertainment by Co-

lonial Hills Church. The food and entertainment begin at 6, and the fireworks show will begin at 9. Latimer Lakes is at 5633 Tulane Road.

For more information, call 662-342-3489 or go to hornlakeparks.com.

Olive Branch City Park will be open all day Thursday for the 14th annual Celebrate Your Independence event. About 10,000 people are expected to attend the festivities, with picnickers getting a good seat early. Hundreds more people set up outside the park boundaries.

Musical entertainment will begin at 6 p.m., with Old Towne, a group playing a mix of contemporary hits. Brad Birkedahl & the Burnin’ Love Band will return for a second year playing Memphis rock, soul and blues.

Park visitors can bring their own food and coolers, but burgers, barbecue, corn dogs and nachos will be available for purchase. Kids’ games also will be set up.

“We’ll have another awesome fireworks show,” said Derrill Argo, event promoter. That begins about 9 p.m., with High-Tech Special Effects conducting the show.

In Southaven, the annual Fourth of July celebration will take place at Snowden Grove Park Amphitheater on Getwell Road on Thursday night. The event will begin at 7:30 with entertainment provided by Southaven Wind Symphony and Cornerstone Church. The fireworks show will begin at 9:30. Southaven’s event is free, and picnics and coolers are allowed.