By Lauren Johnson

It’s almost time for the annual Fourth of July Fireworks display at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Once again, Mayor Jason Reeves with the Troy City Council and Troy Parks and Recreation are providing this firework display on the Fourth of July holiday Thursday.

There are many different viewing locations throughout the city for citizens to enjoy the special, patriotic event and celebrate America.

“We recommend viewers to go inside the stadium, but you can also watch the firework show at the Lake Lagoon, the softball complex at Troy University, or the Charles Henderson High School parking lot,” said Dan Smith, the director of the Parks and Recreation Department. “People also park down by the middle school, in the Walmart parking lot, or from lawn chairs on their own personal property.”

The firework display can even be seen over 12 miles away in Banks.

Those who plan to drive to a spot to view the show are asked to be in their places by 8:30 p.m. with the 15 to 20 minute show starting at approximately 9 p.m. “Because traffic is so heavy and congested on George Wallace and University, it’s very important for people to get where they’re going,” said Smith.

Troy has continued to show patriotism and love for the community and for our country throughout the years. “July fourth is when we celebrate the birthday of our country, but it’s also a time to remember the freedom we have in our country,” said Smith.

The City of Troy has put on a firework display every Fourht of July since Bo Gaylard started shooting fireworks off of the concession stands roof at the Starlight Drive-in theater. Since Gaylard became the Recreation Director in 1980, the City of Troy and Troy Parks and Recreation have overseen the show and started using the Troy University football stadium for it.

“I hear every year that there are a number of people that come to Troy just to see our firework show who don’t live in Troy,” Smith said.

The display will be very similar to past years’ shows, but Smith hopes that this year will be better than ever before.

“We put on what we are very proud of and what we think is a good firework show each year,” he said.