Fireworks on the Water returns to Columbus

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Savannah Stephens
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  On July 1, fireworks will fly over the Stennis Lock and Dam in a patriotic salute to our nation's history.

The event, titled 'Fireworks on the Water 2017,' is a free, open-to-the-public initiative between 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. Airmen staying in town for the holiday can bring their chairs, grab a burger or a snow-cone and listen to live music courtesy of Swing Shift and Danika Portz, while the kids enjoy bouncy castles and face painting. Then as the sun sets the night sky will become a canvas of lights, 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.

Local vendors will be available to satisfy even the pickiest of palates. Vendors for the event include Mugshots and Chick-fil-A, as well as barbecue, funnel cakes, catfish and more. Children can have their faces painted, race through an inflatable obstacle course, hang out with Columbus' own Mother Goose, or take their picture with DeeDee the Clown.

Music will begin at 5 p.m. with local band Johnny Coleman and Swing Shift. Swing Shift's signature sound consists of mainly rock-and-roll hits from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s with R&B and soul classics from these eras as well. Swing Shift formed in 1985, has played hundreds of shows, and has opened for noted performers such as Lee Greenwood and Ricky Skaggs.

Following Swing Shift, Danika Portz will perform. Portz, originally from Remsen, Iowa, has a distinctive sound and style that sets her apart from the typical pop-country act as her music has been described as a mixture of Mumford and Sons, Kacey Musgraves, and Katy Perry – with a voice on par with Norah Jones.

Fireworks on the Water has been a joint effort between the base and community since 2006. Columbus AFB is proud to partner with the City of Columbus, Visit Columbus, Lowndes County, and the Army Corps of Engineers to put on such a fantastic, free family-friendly event. Those interested in volunteering to help can visit www.givegab.com.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/FWOTW2017