Fireworks on the Water returns to Columbus Published June 25, 2015 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- This Fourth of July, fireworks will fly over the Stennis Lock and Dam in a patriotic salute to our nation's history. The event, entitled 'Fireworks on the Water 2015,' 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 Johnny Coleman and Swing Shift while the kids enjoy bouncy castles and clowns. 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 cake, fried pies and more. Children can have their faces painted, race through an inflatable obstacle course, or hang out with Columbus' own Mother Goose. Music will begin at 5 p.m. with DJ Mike Chain. Starting around 6:30 p.m., local band Johnny Coleman and Swing Shift will provide live music. 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. 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 in 2013, where a crowd of over 5,000 gathered for the evening's festivities. This year will be its fifth iteration. Happy 239th birthday, America.
