Fireworks over the Coosa River ring out July 4 in Gadsden

It took a little last-minute readjustment, but the annual Fourth of July fireworks show over the Coosa River hosted by the City of Gadsden and the Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association closed out the holiday festivities and delighted those in attendance.

Officials had to scramble to find a company to stage display, after the one originally contracted, Pyrotecnico, had to back out after an incident Wednesday in Jacksonville.

According to a Facebook post Thursday afternoon from the city, a Pyrotecnico technician was injured prior to a scheduled fireworks display at Jax Fest at Jacksonville High School.

According to news reports, a firework shell detonated as the company was setting up for the event, injuring the technician who was taken to UAB Hospital in Birmingham. The fireworks display was canceled.

“Ground zero” for the Gadsden show had to be moved to the old Convention Hall site, and officials publicized the change that altered the available parking and best viewing sites for the fireworks.

This year's event was expanded into July Fest on the Coosa, with food trucks, a cash bar and a free concert by Fly By Radio before the fireworks.

See a gallery of photos at www.gadsdentimes.com.