Where to see fireworks over Fourth of July 2020 weekend on the Mississippi Coast
Gulfport’s annual July 4th fireworks show that originally was called off is on again, along with fireworks over the beaches in Biloxi and Ocean Springs.
With concerns about the city’s expected budget shortfalls during the coronavirus, Gulfport canceled this year’s fireworks show, said LaShaundra McCarty, Gulfport’s community relations manager.
Now four businesses have chipped in to sponsor the July 4 fireworks at Jones Park, she said. Utility Partners, Hancock Whitney Bank, BancorpSouth and Stewart Sneed Hewes Insurance will cover the cost of the display.
People spread out in family groups at the recent Cinema by the Shore event in Gulfport, she said, and she expects many will distance themselves at the park and along the beaches to watch the show.
Mississippi State Department of Health has issued guidance for July 4 event planning.
“Limiting the size of gatherings and maintaining social distance remain important for holiday events,” the notice said. “For large outdoor events like fireworks displays, MSDH recommends staying in your vehicle and avoiding interacting with others.”
Here are the details for the South Mississippi fireworks shows and what’s canceled:
July 3
▪ Ocean Springs — Fireworks at Fort Maurepas Park and Front Beach start at about 8:45 p.m. Bring blankets and chairs.
July 4
▪ Gulfport — Moses Jetty closes at 6 a.m. to set up the show. The fireworks will begin at about 8:45 p.m. and viewing areas are Jones Park, Gulfport Marina and the beach. The buffer zone where personal fireworks cannot be used is inside Jones Park.
▪ Pascagoula — The fireworks at the beach will start at 8:45, with Patriotic music synced to the fireworks on radio station. Magic 93.7. For those who want to see the show, but do not want to attend in person, WGUD will live stream the show on its Facebook page and on the city’s YouTube channel. Fireworks will be visible along Beach Boulevard or from a boat offshore. A 550 foot safety zone will be established around the fireworks barge. Parking will permitted on Beach Boulevard will east of Beach Park only.
▪ Biloxi Beach — The 18-minute fireworks show begin at 9 p.m. and will be fired from a barge near Deer Island. The best viewing is from the Biloxi Lighthouse to the Biloxi Bay Bridge. A fireworks-free zone where spectators are not allowed to shoot their own fireworks extends from the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor to Oak Street. The Boom Boom Committee puts on the annual show with donations from the city, local casinos and other businesses.
▪ Biloxi Schooner sails to see the fireworks shows leave at 7 p.m. from Schooner Pier Complex, U.S. 90, Biloxi. Admission is $40 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-12.
▪ Ship Island Excursions takes people on the water to see the fireworks shows. Admission is $27 for the sunset cruise and DJ entertainment. Seating will be limited for social distancing.
▪ Our Lady of the Gulf Church Crab Fest in Bay St. Louis is an annual tradition. This year’s festival is an abbreviated version from 4-10 p.m. July 4. There will be a $15,000 drawdown and a $1,000 raffle, T-shirts for sale and a scaled down menu with food such as crab-stuffed potatoes, gumbo and jambalaya.
Canceled
▪ Waveland’s fireworks are postponed until September, according to Mayor Mike Smith.
▪ The fireworks on the Biloxi Back Bay aren’t scheduled this year.
▪ The Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo in Gulfport is canceled.
Other upcoming events
Coastal Mississippi keeps a list of events in South Mississippi. Among the top events coming soon are:
▪ July 16-19 — Jeepin the Coast. Jeep Central is at Long Beach Town Green. Events at Pass Christian, Long Beach, Bay St. Louis and Biloxi.
▪ July 18 — The first concert to return to the Coast Coliseum is Jamey Johnson with Cole Jones at 8 p.m.
This story was originally published June 25, 2020 at 5:50 AM.
