With the BP oil spill gushing 60,000 barrels of oil a day, many people are wondering if the coastal cities of Mississippi are planning to continue with Fourth of July celebrations now that oil has appeared on their shores. Rest assured in the thought that all of the major cities along the Coast plan to have their firework displays as planned.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi, for instance has their firework display scheduled for Sunday, July 4th. According to a press releaseissued on July 1, a barge will be placed south of the Biloxi Yacht Club which will serve as the launch site. The fireworks display is set to start at 9 p.m. if weather conditions cooperate. Biloxi is hyping up the event which will finish with seven barges of fireworks attempting to “paint the sky.”
Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport is also staged for an extravagant fireworks display. Their display is scheduled to start at 8:45 p.m. at the Gulfport Harbor, off of Highway 90. Visitors should be aware that Jones Park will be closed beginning on Sunday morning, with the exception of the boat ramps. Additionally, Moses and Urie piers, and jetties, will also be closed. The closures are a protective measure meant to keep the public out of harm’s way during the fireworks display.
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Pascagoula intends to put their fireworks display on within view of Beach Park. Times for the start of the event could not be verified, but previous shows began near 9 p.m. Also, festival activities typically took place between 6-9 p.m., with festival events closing in preparation of the fireworks display.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Ocean Springs is also prepared to put on their fireworks display at 8:40 p.m. on July 4. Their display can be viewed from Front Beach, or the western portions of East Beach. It should be noted that traffic on Front Beach is one-way (southbound) during the weekends. If visiting, be prepared for the one-way traffic as well as a short walk. Typically beach-side parking fills up quickly, but visitors normally can find parking within one or two blocks of the beach.
Celebrating the Fourth is a time-honored tradition, but it is important to obey the safety guidelines of handling the miniature explosives. Always maintain a safe distance from ignited fireworks and you and your spectators. Have water or a fire extinguisher ready for any small fires that may start. Never approach any lit fireworks, and never attempt to re-light a firework, even if it is a “dud.”
As the Fourth approaches, look to see South Mississippians use the holiday as a chance to display their freedom from oppression caused by BP’s oil spill in the Gulf. Hundreds of the revelers on the beaches are expected to bring their own fireworks to “assist” the official display. If you choose to bring your own fireworks to a display, please ensure that your firework fun does not ruin the day of another reveler. It is difficult to enjoy the fireworks when you are forced to defend your family from errant missiles.
