PELHAM – The city of Pelham’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show, Fire on the Water, is set for Wednesday, July 3, at Oak Mountain State Park.

Gates open at 7 a.m. and the fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. The gates in the front and back of the park will close to the public at 7 p.m. to allow everyone time to be parked and seated prior to the beginning of the fireworks show. No one will be allowed to enter the park after 7 p.m.

Regular entrance fees apply from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., and annual passes will also be accepted during that time. At 5 p.m., OMSP will offer a special entrance fee of $15 per car load and annual passes will no longer be admissible. Residents are encouraged to carpool with friends and family for the best price. Park gates take cash only.

The city of Pelham is offering residents a discount coupon for entry into the event. Pelham residents can save $5 per carload after 5 p.m. with a coupon. Coupons are available at Ballantrae Golf Club, Pelham Racquet Club, Pelham Civic Complex, Pelham Library, Pelham Recreation Center and the new location
of Pelham City Hall, 401 Southgate Dr. Photo ID or a utility bill are required to get a coupon.

A DJ and food trucks will be on site as early as 10 a.m. for the lunch crowd and will remain at the park serving until 9 p.m. This year’s event is expected to be much bigger with three times as many vendors as there were last year. Beach volleyball and basketball courts, the Treetop Nature Trail, playground and fishing piers in the show’s vicinity will be open for all to enjoy.

Pelham’s American Legion Post 555 will be joining this year’s celebration. Post 555 will present the colors at 7 p.m. accompanied by the national anthem. They will also provide a special musical tribute of “God Bless America” at 8:45 p.m.

Beer will be sold by park staff on the beach from 5-8 p.m. No outside alcohol is allowed and beer sales are cash only.

Guests should bring their own chairs/blankets for the show, and guests will be allowed to bring their own coolers. Picnic tables available and there are grills throughout the park open to the public on a first-come first-serve basis.

Parking for the event is available in every parking lot off of Terrace Drive, and also in the two fields off of Terrace Drive. Come early in the day for a closer parking space. Parking attendants will be on site beginning at 4 p.m. to help guests find a space.

The Marina will be closed all day Sunday, July 3, in preparation for the show. For those who would like to rent a kayak, canoe or SUP, Flip Side Watersports will be open and renting all day on Beaver Lake. Trails leading to the dam (the Lake Trail) on Double Oak Lake will also be closed for the entire day. Boat launches on Double Oak Lake will be barricaded that day. Those who bring their own kayak, canoe or SUP will have to utilize Lunker Lake or Beaver Lake at the north end of the park.