City of Tuscaloosa preparing for annual fireworks show

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Thousands are expected to attend Tuscaloosa’s “Celebration on the River” at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater on the Fourth of July.

Workers are preparing for the 14th annual event that includes the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and a fun zone for children. Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater Manager Matt Jones said his staff are prepared to deal with the heat to keep folks cool.

“So we will have two different cooling stations on site: one on the east plaza and one on the west plaza with a small tent but also will have two portable cools misting and providing some air flow,” Jones said. “The EMTs will be there. We will have two mobile EMTs on site.”

Jones said everyone can enjoy the public event.

“DJ Tank will be there before, and fireworks start at 9 p.m., and the fireworks pyro show crew will be here hours before to set up everything, and it is incredible,” Jones said.

Downtown Tuscaloosa restaurant Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint is expecting to get lots of foot traffic as a result of thousands who will be attending the fireworks show. Jacob Jett, who works at the establishment, said it’s preparing for extra customers.

“I know we will be one of a few businesses open Thursday for the Fourth of July in downtown Tuscaloosa, and we expect to get lots of people, and I bet folks will be happy to find a restaurant that’s actually open,” Jett said.

The event will start at 6 p.m. and conclude by 9:20 p.m.

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