Fireworks on the Water returns to Columbus

  • Published
  • By Sonic Johnson
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  The Fourth of July will once again be celebrated with live music and fireworks over the Stennis Lock and Dam in a patriotic salute to our nation’s 241st birthday.

Fireworks on the Water 2017 is a free, open-to-the-public initiative between Visit Columbus, the community and Columbus Air Force Base celebrating Independence Day.

Nancy Carpenter, CEO and Executive Director of Visit Columbus and Fireworks on the Water co-chairman, said the community is honored to co-sponsor this event in honor of the men and women of Columbus AFB.

While fireworks are in the title, the event features far more than just a fireworks display. Team BLAZE Airmen staying in town for the holiday can bring their chairs, grab a burger or a snow-cone and listen to
live music.

Nashville recording artist and songwriter Danika Portz is returning this year to provide live music entertainment while the kids enjoy bouncy castles and clowns. Then as the sun sets, participants will enjoy an 18-minute professional fireworks show choreographed to music.

Fireworks on the Water will begin at 5 p.m. at the East Bank of the Stennis Lock and Dam. Please bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets, but leave the personal fireworks and pets at home. Like Columbus AFB, firearms are not permitted on federal property.

Be sure to arrive early to nab a prime parking spot. An event of this magnitude will require many volunteers and Columbus AFB Airmen and spouses are being asked to help.

We need assistance in all aspects of hosting this event from Kiddie land, fireworks and entertainment coordinators and parking teams. If you are interested in helping in any capacity at any time starting Friday, June 30 through Sunday, July 2, contact the Public Affairs office at (662) 434-7068 or e-mail 14ftw.pa@us.af.mil.

Fireworks on the Water has been a joint effort between the base and community since 2006. The last time Fireworks on the Water occurred was last year, when a crowd of over 7,000 gathered for the evening’s festivities.

Make plans now to come out and enjoy this free event on Saturday, July 1.