The Petal Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Hattiesburg Association are gearing up to present the sixth annual Coca-Cola Star-Spangled Celebration on the River, a family-oriented event and fireworks show on both sides of the Leaf River.
This year’s event will be held from 6-10 p.m. July 3 at Petal River Park and Chain Park, with a fireworks show scheduled for 9 p.m. The celebration is free and open to the public.
“What motivate us (to put this on each year) is the response we get from everybody that joins us for the event,” said Valerie Wilson, executive director of the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce. “People love it – they look forward to it every year.
“I think they really appreciate the fact that our two cities – the cities of Petal and Hattiesburg, and (also) Forrest County are working together. There’s no politics – we’re all enjoying it together, and we’re making it an event for everybody that lives in that area.”
The free event will feature a range of food and alcohol vendors on both sides of the Leaf River, along with various activities and a kids’ zone. In addition, for the second year in a row, officials will host an ice cream eating contest for kids 12 years of age and under at Chain Park.
Live music – which is presented by The First Bank – will begin at 6 p.m. on both sides of the river.
“We’re looking forward to another great 4th of July celebration this year with our sister city,” said Andrea Saffle, executive director of the Downtown Hattiesburg Association. “No matter with park you choose to attend, you’ll make memories with 10,000 of your closest friends listening to live music and watching the best fireworks show in the Gulf South.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the festivities. Pets, glass, tents, ice chests and personal fireworks – including sparklers – are not permitted.
Parking onsite is limited, but offsite parking with shuttle service will be available. Chain Park is handicap accessible, but Petal River Park is not.
Parking information can be found at StarSpangledEvent.com.
“We’re proud to continue this family-friendly Independence Day tradition, shared between Hattiesburg and Petal,” Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker said. “From the great local food and live music to the impeccable dual fireworks presentation to close out the night, it is an event you don’t want to miss.”
The Star-Spangled Celebration on the River began in 2019 after Wilson and Saffle collaborated to provide an opportunity that could be enjoyed by both the Petal and Hattiesburg communities. The event has grown steadily since its inception, with the 2019 celebration drawing approximately 11,000 guests.
In 2022, the Star-Spangled Celebration won the Best Collaborative Project award from the
Mississippi Main Street Association for its public-private partnership between the two cities, Forrest County, the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce and the
Downtown Hattiesburg Association.
“I’m really excited about this year’s event,” Petal Mayor Tony Ducker said. “From the folks who organize, the sponsors and everyone who makes this event so special, it continues to show what great things we can do as a community when we work together.”
