Event organizers are hoping people across the region save the date for the annual Fireworks on the Water show July 1 at the Stennis Lock and Dam.

The event, which runs from 5-10 p.m., will feature fireworks, food, activities for children and live entertainment.

Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Nancy Carpenter said Fireworks on the Water started as a partnership between the CVB, Columbus Air Force Base, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city to celebrate the service men and women at the base.

The event now doubles as a Fourth of July celebration — Carpenter said it was held on the Fourth of July last year — with regional appeal. With the Fourth of July falling on a Monday this year, she said organizers opted for the preceding Friday, knowing that some people might want to enjoy the holiday out of town.

About 10,000 people came to last year’s event, Carpenter said.

“It’s held on the east bank at the lock and dam, but we have people who will watch from the west bank (since) it’s obviously visible from there,” she said. “We usually have people who will join us on boats and have their boats lit up.

“It’s not just a community event,” Carpenter added, “It’s one that the entire region comes out to enjoy.”

This year’s event should cost about $53,000, with about $14,000-$15,000 dedicated for its fireworks display. Carpenter said the CVB is putting forward about half of the money and seeking sponsorships or donations from the community for the other half.

She said CVB received about 80 percent of the funding so far.

The event will feature jumpers, face painting and other activities for children, along with glow sticks for purchase. The fireworks display should start about 9 p.m.

Carpenter said CVB is asking that people don’t bring their own coolers or pets.

Concessions from local restaurants — including Lost Pizza Co., Buffalo Wild Wings, Mugshots and others — will be available.

Though Fireworks on the Water is geared toward creating a fun, family friendly atmosphere for the community, Carpenter said it’s important to remember to honor those who have served or are serving in the various branches of the U.S. military.

“The initial reason behind it was the Visit Columbus Board of Directors wanted to do something special for the men and women at Columbus Air Force Base,” she said. “There’s no better time than our Independence Day to do that. This is a way we can say thank you by doing something special for them and their families.”

Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.