By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— After its first Fourth of July Celebration went off with a bang, Lakeview Pelham’s First United Methodist Church is bringing the event back for a second season.

On July 2 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. the church’s congregation and members of the community are invited to participate in live music, inflatables, games and more, with a large-scale fireworks show to conclude the event.

“It’s going to be a pretty great event, just trying to love on the community and show them God’s love,” said Pastor Michael Miller.

The turnout last year was so great, Miller said they are excited to kick off the next one and expand the event. More than 400 people were in attendance, including both church members and surrounding residents.

Lakeview’s Forth of July will feature attractions, such as inflatable bouncy houses and a slide, free games with prizes, clowns, face painting, an eating contest, kayak races and a fishing rodeo.

There will also be live music, with genres such as country, oldies, modern classics and current Christian contemporary.

Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available for 25-cents each, and guests are welcome to bring coolers and chairs, although alcohol is not allowed.

“We want to be a lighthouse for our community, and let them know that God’s love knows no boundaries and no barriers,” Miller said. “We want them to come and check us out and see what we have to offer.”

Miller said the responses to the firework show was positive last year, so they plan to continue the tradition of launching them over the church’s neighboring lake. He said the fireworks show is large-scale, similar to citywide shows.

The Fourth of July community outreach festival is free and open to the public, taking place July 2 from 4-9 p.m. at the church’s campus, 5154 Highway 11 in Pelham.

For more information, contact Lakeview Pelham’s First United Methodist Church at 663-3309 or visit Lvfirst.net.