Photo by Alyx Chandler.
Fireworks return to Oak Mountain State Park July 3 for the annual Fire on the Water event.
Visitors at Oak Mountain State Park can enjoy an early Independence Day celebration at the sixth annual Fire on the Water on Wednesday, July 3.
Hosted by the city of Pelham, the event officially begins at 5 p.m. But Anna Jones, event coordinator at Oak Mountain State Park, said people come as early as 6:30 a.m. to get a prime spot to watch the fireworks, which are shot off on the lake.
“Although the fireworks don’t start until 9, people can come in anytime during the day and enjoy the many amenities the park has to offer,” she said.
Guests are welcome to bring in their own food (although no outside alcohol is allowed in the park), but food trucks will be offering a variety of options. Beer will be available for purchase from 5 to 8 p.m. in front of the beach area.
The best spot to watch the fireworks is off Double Oak Lake off Terrace Drive, and anywhere along that side of the lake provides a good viewing area.
“The city of Pelham donates and sponsors all the fireworks,” Jones said. “They are hosting this event, and we are just the venue. Their firemen, EMTs and police donate their time to make sure it’s a smooth, safe event.”
Entertainment will be provided by DJ Blaze, a firefighter with the city of Pelham, before and throughout the fireworks show.
Jones said people are encouraged to leave their pets at home due to their fear of fireworks.
“Usually every year we have a dog or two that panics and runs off and it takes us a while to find them,” she said.
The park gates will close at 7 p.m. to be able to get everyone in safely and give them time to find a parking spot and walk down before the fireworks begin.
Special per car pricing will be available from 5 to 7 p.m. For those arriving earlier, park fees are free for ages 3 and younger; $2 for ages 4-11; $5 for ages 12-61; $2 for ages 62 and up; and all active military, retired military and veterans are free.
For more information, visit facebook.com/OakMountainSP/events.
