Rusty David of the Boom-Boom Committee, the group that gathers money for each year’s Biloxi fireworks show, says those venturing to the east Biloxi waterfront on the evening of the Fourth of July will see about $2,000 a minute going up in smoke.
But, he quickly adds, it will be very colorful smoke.
The city’s annual fireworks show begins Wednesday evening at 9 and will run for 25 minutes, and set to music on FM 105.9.
And what makes this year’s show special?
“First of all,” says David, “the guy who does this for us — David Spear of J&M Displays, a company out of Iowa — has been doing this for us for 26 years straight. He shoots probably two-hundred-and-something fireworks shows a year, and he tries to make ours the best because we’ve been with him all these years.
“I’ve been with the Boom-Boom Committee for 31 years,” David said. “We’ve tried other people for price, and some said they were better, but we ended up back with David Spear and we’ve been with him for 26 years.”
The fireworks will be launched from a barge off Deer Island. Best viewing locations will be from White Avenue to Point Cadet, “depending on how big a fireworks fan you are,” David says, adding: “The really big fireworks fans will be between the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and Oak Street.”
David was also quick to point out that the fireworks show is made possible by funding from casino resorts, other large and small businesses, Keesler Air Force Base, and the city and county.
“People hold our show in high regard,” he says. “We’re getting calls from people across the state – Vicksburg, Natchez, Greenville – and from across the region, Orange Beach, Pensacola, Houma, Beaumont, and more. People tell them about it, and they want to see it for themselves. That’s what it’s all about, and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors.”
Parking: Those planning to attend the fireworks show should remember that parking is permitted only in parking bays on U.S. 90. Parking is not allowed in the center median of U.S. 90. Those parking on neighborhood streets north of U.S. 90 should not block roadways and should respect private property. Remember that pedestrian traffic will be heavy. Drive defensively. Wear light-colored clothing.
Pick up: Harrison County Sand Beach Director Chuck Loftis asks beachgoers to help keep the beach clean. “We have about 400 trash drums along the beachfront,” Loftus said. “We’re asking people to use them. Please pick up after yourselves.”
J&M Displays: To learn more about J&M Displays, and to see samples of the company’s shows, click here.
The Fourth lineup: To see the lineup of special events for the Fourth of July, courtesy of listings from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau,
click here.
