For the eighth time, the Downtown Hattiesburg Association and the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce are partnering again with the City of Hattiesburg, City of Petal, and the Forrest County Board of Supervisors to offer a family-friendly Fourth of July experience!

 

The Star-Spangled Celebration on the River will be Thursday, July 3rd, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Hattiesburg’s Chain Park and Petal River Park, complete with a 9 p.m. fireworks display over the Leaf River.

Presented by Coca-Cola, the celebration will be family-friendly for residents and visitors of both Hattiesburg and Petal. Live music, activities, a kids’ zone, and a range of food vendors will be on both sides of the Leaf River. Additionally, official event t-shirts and tank tops will be available for purchase in both parks. 
 

Admission to the event is free. 

 

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit back and enjoy the festivities. 

 

Coolers, Pets, glass, tents, and personal fireworks (including sparklers) are NOT permitted at this event.  

 

Parking onsite is limited, but offsite parking with shuttle service will be available from 6-10 PM. 

 

The Longleaf Trace bike path from the Historic Train Depot will close at 8:30 PM until the conclusion of the fireworks show. 

 

Boat ramp and water access for the Leaf River will be closed for the duration of the event, beginning at 4 PM.

 

Those with accessibility needs are encouraged to enjoy the festivities on the Hattiesburg side, as Petal River Park is not as accessible.

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For more information on the music lineup and available vendors, follow the event on Facebook at “Star-Spangled Celebration on the River.”​