The annual Fireworks Extravaganza at Sandy Beach attracts thousands of people to Heber Springs for a reason, said Melisa Gardner, executive director of the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.
“It rivals any fireworks display in the state,” she said.
Gardner said the event will begin at 6 p.m. Friday with live music, and the fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m.
“It’s great for bringing people in town; it’s a great attraction,” Gardner said.
Sandy Beach will be open all day, and inflatable bounce houses will be available.
“It’s open all day long, but the entertainment begins at 6,” she said.
“They can play in the water and on the inflatables, and there will be food vendors,” Gardner said.
She said that last year, many towns had a burn ban because of dry weather. Heber Springs has its show over the lake, so people flocked to the beach for the event.
“We were one of the few that had a fireworks display last year, and I don’t think people realized how good it was,” she said.
Gardner said the 20-minute fireworks show is impressive.
“It costs right at $30,000,” she said. Sponsors pay for it, and Sonic is the headline sponsor.
“We’ve just got several businesses in town that are our corporate sponsors,” she said.
Music will be performed by Imagine That and an “up-and-comer,” Ryan Couron.
For those who are just attending the fireworks show, they need to arrive early, Gardner said.
“There’s always a problem with people thinking they’re going to get here at the last minute and just pull in [and park].
“The parking area will park 1,000 cars, and it’s always full,” she said.
Parking is $10, a portion of which will go to the Arkansas Dream Center in Heber Springs, Gardner said.
Attendees can park and walk to Sandy Beach, which will be open for swimming.
“Traffic does tend to back up because there’s only one way in,” she said.
“Be patient for parking and allow plenty of time — don’t think you’re going to head out at 9 o’clock.”
However, Gardner said, it’s worth it.
“[The fireworks display is] choreographed to music. … It’s a simulcast. Anyone with a radio with them in a car or a boat can hear the music” on station KFFB, she said.
“If you come by boat — that little cove area right there by Sandy Beach — it’s beautiful; it’s packed.
“The fireworks display going off over the water, over the boats, it’s just a beautiful thing to see,” she said.
For more information, call (501) 262-2444.
Senior writer Tammy Keith can be reached at (501) 327-0370 or tkeith@arkansasonline.com.