Independence Day conjures up a multitude of feelings, memories and expectations. The day is draped in red, white and blue; American flags can be seen all around; hot dogs and hamburgers are fired up on the grill; and the day almost always ends with a fireworks show.
Folks in Heber Springs might have had a slightly different experience in years past at the annual Fireworks Extravaganza hosted by the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, but for those heading out to this year’s event, it will still be a night to remember, said Julie Murray, the chamber’s executive director.
With the increased rainfall in the past month, the regular venue for the fireworks show — Sandy Beach — is not an option this year. Instead, the show will take place at Dam Site Park at 315 Heber Springs Road N. The fireworks will be shot from across the lake from Dam Site Park.
Murray said this is not the first time the show has moved from Sandy Beach, but it is not a permanent move.
“It’s only when Sandy Beach is underwater,” she said. “I believe this is the third time ever [the show has been elsewhere].”
Small fireworks will be shot on Friday evening and then again on Saturday prior to the display so viewers can determine the best line of site for the main show. Times will be announced this week on the chamber’s Facebook page.
Food vendors will open by noon Saturday, and The Imagine That Band will perform at 7 p.m. The main fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m.
“There are advantages to being at Dam Site Park,” Murray said. “For one, there is way more room for boats on the water. Sandy Beach is in a cove, so it’s limited there. Because Dam Site is an open-water part of the lake, the fireworks will reflect. It’s going to be fantastic.”
The downside to Dam Site Park is the limited parking. Murray said there are about 300 fewer parking spots compared to Sandy Beach, so everyone will have to adjust accordingly.
“We’re strongly encouraging everyone to carpool,” she said.
For more information, including a map of the festivities, visit www.heber-springs.com/heber-springs-area-chamber-commerce-fireworks-extravaganza.
Of course, Heber Springs will not be the only community lighting up the sky in the name of patriotism. There will be other fireworks displays held across the Three Rivers Edition coverage area, several of which are listed below.
Jacksonville will celebrate July Fourth with a fireworks show at the Jacksonville Shooting Complex at 2800 Graham Road. Big Bang on the Range will take place at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs and blankets for lawn seating, and concessions will be sold at the event. For more information, call (501) 982-4171.
The city of Cabot will hold its Independence Day Spectacular at Mount Carmel Baptist Church from 6-9 p.m. Friday. Live entertainment will be provided by The Larry Weathers Band, and there will be jump balloons, an obstacle course and inflatable slides. Concessions will be provided by the Cabot Parks and Recreation Department. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. The church is at 163 Mount Carmel Road.
In El Paso, the CrossRoads Cowboy Church and Two Bar Two Arena will host the second annual Fourth of July Ranch Rodeo and Family Celebration. The rodeo will start at 10 a.m. Saturday. Events for the rodeo will be trailer
loading, doctoring, mugging and sorting. Call-in will be from 5-10 p.m. Wednesday at (479) 243-6651. There will be 25 teams at $100 per person, and ranch broncs will be offered for a $50 entry fee. Starting at 6:30 p.m., there will be a free dinner, followed by fireworks at dark. Attendees are asked to bring a dessert for the dessert auction, which will benefit the Eastside Nazarene Camp Meeting. The church is at 3071 Arkansas 5. Contact Becky Switzer at (501) 230-7872 for more information.
Beebe’s Fourth of July Extravaganza will start at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Beebe Ballpark, 321 N. M St. This year’s live entertainment will include local artists 302 Main, Victoria Taylor, 90 Proof and the Luke Williams Band. A fireworks display by the Beebe Fire Department will conclude the festivities. The city, local civic groups and churches will provide free refreshments. For more information, call Kristen Boswell at (501) 882-8135.
Batesville Motor Speedway will hold its annual Freedom Blast Fireworks Show on Friday. This year’s event will include the United Speed Contest Sanction Sprint Cars and the Southern Outlaw Late Models. Gates will open at 5 p.m., with hot laps at 7:30 and racing at 8. General-admission tickets are $5 for children ages 7-11, $10 for children ages 12-15 and $20 for people 16 and older. The speedway is at 5090 Heber Springs Road in Locust Grove.
Staff writer Angela Spencer can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or aspencer@arkansasonline.com.