If this year’s Coca-Cola Star-Spangled Celebration on the River is anything like last year – and officials are expecting it will be, with an anticipated double turnout of the inaugural event – participants are in for quite an explosive show.
The second annual event, which is a partnership between the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Hattiesburg Association, will be held from 6-10 p.m. July 3 at Petal’s River Park and Hattiesburg’s Chain Park.
“It was wonderful last year,” said Valerie Wilson, executive director of the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce. “It was almost like we didn’t have a choice of whether we were going to do it again this year – as soon as it was over, people were already talking about putting it on again the next year.
“So it’s only in its second year, and people already consider it a tradition. So I’m thrilled, and I think that together, we can do so much more than either side could do itself. It’s a great community-builder for both sides of the river, and the entire county.”
Both sides will feature free admission, live music, kids’ zones and T-shirt sales. Vendors include Coca-Cola, Southern Stars Facepaint, Chik-fil-A, The First – A National Banking Association, Domino’s and Kona Ice, among others. Fireworks will begin at around 9 p.m.
Pets, glass, tents and personal fireworks are not permitted, but lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Because of a Petal ordinance that prohibits alcohol sales on city-owned property, alcohol will be sold and allowed only on the Chain Park side of the celebration.
Live music will start at 6 p.m. on the Petal side, with Southern Jammerz kicking off the show. Charles “CC” Carter will play next, followed by headliners Unfazed.
Chain Park attendees will be treated to music by Brotha Josh & The Quickness, Royal Horses and Soul Session.
Weather permitting, guests may even get to see a hot-air balloon in action.
While both sides of the river will offer scores of entertainment, the Hattiesburg side may be a little more accessible to physically disabled individuals.
“There are better options on the Hattiesburg side, in terms of places to park and convenient ways to get around,” Wilson said. “The Petal side is very rough and there’s no concrete there – all of our parking lots are gravel.
“So it’s just not as conducive for people who have (mobility issues).”
The parking lots on both sides of the river are expected to fill up rather quickly, but shuttles will be provided to and from lots and the parks.
Last year’s event brought in approximately 10,000 visitors – roughly 6,000 on the Hattiesburg side and 4,000 on the Petal side – and officials expect that number to be as high as 20,000 this year.
“I think it’s going to be a great time,” said Andrea Saffle, executive director of the Downtown Hattiesburg Association.
The event is made possible by Coca-Cola of Hattiesburg, The First - A National Banking Association, City of Petal, City of Hattiesburg, Downtown Hattiesburg Association, Petal Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Forrest County Board of Supervisors, in cooperation with VisitHATTIESBURG.
