Four major fireworks celebrations planned for July 4th weekend in Bay County

Nathan Cobb, The News Herald
·2 min read

PANAMA CITY BEACH − Tourists and visitors will have multiple opportunities over the next few days to celebrate United States independence.

According to a press release from Visit Panama City Beach, the group is planning four fireworks shows for Independence Day weekend in Bay County. Held Sunday through Tuesday, they are Light Up the Bay, Light Up the Gulf, Freedom Rocks! and the Star Spangled Spectacular. Here's what to know about each.

Visit Panama City Beach is gearing up to host four firework shows in Bay County from July 2-4. They are Light Up the Bay, Light Up the Gulf, Freedom Rocks! and the Star Spangled Spectacular.
Visit Panama City Beach is gearing up to host four firework shows in Bay County from July 2-4. They are Light Up the Bay, Light Up the Gulf, Freedom Rocks! and the Star Spangled Spectacular.

"Each year, (Independence Day weekend) brings together residents and visitors in Panama City Beach for an unforgettable celebration on our destination's beautiful beaches," Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Visit PCB, said in the release. "We are thrilled to continue this colorful and festive tradition in Partnership with the city of Panama City Beach, Pier Park and Bay County."

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Light Up the Bay

Kicking off the celebrations, this fireworks show over Saint Andrew Bay will occur near Papa Joe's Bayside at 4601 West U.S. 98 in Panama City. It will be held Sunday, and festivities will begin at 8:30 p.m.

"Bring your lawn chair and catch fireworks over the bay, food trucks and live music with family and friends," the release reads. "

Light Up the Gulf

The second fireworks show will take place behind Boardwalk Beach Resort Condominiums at 9600 S. Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach. It will be held Monday, and festivities will begin at 8:30 p.m.

"Panama City Beach will 'Light Up the Gulf' with the beach's largest, private fireworks show," the release reads.

Freedom Rocks

This fireworks show will be held over Grand Lagoon in the Panama City Beach area, and guests are invited to watch from the Treasure Island Marina at 3605 Thomas Drive. It will be held Monday, and festivities will begin at 8:45 p.m.

"Stop by early and dine at any Freedom Rocks participating restaurants (and) take in stunning sunset views ... before fireworks light up the sky," the release reads.

Star Spangled Spectacular

Known as the largest fireworks display along the Gulf Coast, this event will feature fireworks at two locations: the Russell-Fields Pier across from Pier Park and the M.B. Miller Pier near Shipwreck Island Waterpark. It will be held Tuesday, and festivities will begin at 9 p.m.

"Celebrate the Fourth of July with the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast," the release reads. "The dazzling show will feature dueling fireworks from the city (Russell-Fields) and county (M.B. Miller) piers."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Fourth of July fireworks shows in Bay County, Sunday through Tuesday