FROM WORKER REPORTS
PELHAMOn Thursday, July 3, Fire on the Water will light up the skies over Double Oak Lake, marking the return of one of Pelham’s most cherished summertime traditions.
The city of Pelham and Oak Mountain State Park are hosting the annual Fourth of July event, which is expected to attract thousands of people for a full day of outdoor entertainment, cuisine, and one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the area.
According to Anna Jones, the park’s events coordinator, Fire on the Water was first hosted at Oak Mountain State Park in 2014. With the exception of the pandemic interruption, we have enjoyed hosting the event every year since, and we are looking forward to this year’s.
Fire on the Water has evolved into a celebration of summer, family, and Pelham pride thanks to its picturesque surroundings and strong sense of community. A full day of recreational activities is available to attendees, including hiking, volleyball, exploring the park’s Treetop Nature Trail, and swimming and paddleboarding in Double Oak Lake.
According to Jones, Fire on the Water is genuinely unique for two reasons in addition to having a fantastic fireworks display. The setting is the first thing that comes to mind. Throughout the performance, you can see how the water below reflects the breathtaking colors of the sky. Before the concert starts, guests can unwind on our sandy beach or swim in the lake to cool down.
The celebration starts considerably earlier, but the fireworks are supposed to start at 9 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and coolers, and food and drink vendors will be available on-site beginning at 4 p.m. The first-come, first-served policy will apply to the availability of picnic tables and grills. Alcohol is not allowed.
Families in the Birmingham area now look forward to the event every summer, according to Pelham City Manager Gretchen DiFante.
According to DiFante, Fire on the Water draws people from all around the area because it takes place at the state park. Every year, fireworks are let off over the sea, producing an incredibly stunning show of repeating images.
The occasion is the outcome of a long-standing collaboration between Oak Mountain State Park and the community of Pelham. The park manages planning, operations, and the remaining expenses, while the city finances the fireworks show and supports public safety. Both teams work together on promotion.
According to DiFante, this collaboration enables Pelham to organize an Independence Day celebration that attracts more guests than we could do alone. It also provides them with a compelling motive to discover the leisure resources available in our city.
The state park gains financial advantages from the partnership as well.
According to Jones, Alabama State Parks are run on a user-pay basis. One of our largest sources of income throughout the year is Fire on the Water, and the money it generates is essential to our efforts to safeguard, care for, and maintain the park for future generations.
Park entry and traffic flow are planned throughout the day to provide a seamless experience:
Those with an annual pass are permitted entry from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Standard Admission: Standard park fees apply (before 4 p.m.).
Admission to the special event (after 4 p.m.) is $10 for Pelham residents (with proof of residency) and $15 for non-residents.
Prior to the fireworks show at 9 p.m., all park gates will close at 7 p.m.
All visitors’ safety and enjoyment will be ensured with assistance from the Pelham Police and Fire Departments, Oak Mountain Park Rangers, and DCNR Game Wardens. Throughout the day, several trails will be closed, such as the Lake Trail that leads to the dam. Visitors are urged to contact the park office at 205-620-2520 (Option 2) if they are looking for other hiking or biking options. Those who have questions about the event can call 205-620-2536.
Fire on the Water promises to be a memorable celebration because of its lakefront vistas and family-friendly vibe.
“We are incredibly grateful for the City of Pelham’s support,” Jones added. It is evident that the city cherishes its citizens and makes a concerted effort to provide them with entertaining events and leisure activities. Every attempt has been taken to make sure that the Fourth of July celebration in Pelham is safe and enjoyable for the locals.
