Thousands gather for Pelham’s Fire on the Water Fourth of July celebration

Published 6:47 pm Saturday, July 5, 2025

By Dave Domescik

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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Thousands of people flocked to Oak Mountain State Park on Thursday, July 3, for Fire on the Water, Pelham’s beloved Fourth of July tradition featuring one of Central Alabama’s most dazzling fireworks shows.

From sunrise to the grand finale at 9 p.m., families and friends soaked up the summer sun and celebrated Independence Day surrounded by the natural beauty of Double Oak Lake. The event, hosted in partnership between the city of Pelham and Oak Mountain State Park, once again delivered on its promise of community fun, outdoor recreation and patriotic spectacle.

“We’ve loved hosting the event each year,” said Anna Jones, events coordinator with the park.

Throughout the day, visitors took advantage of Oak Mountain’s many attractions. Children splashed in the lake, kayakers and paddleboarders cruised the calm waters and hikers explored the park’s trails, including the shaded Treetop Nature Trail. Volleyball games popped up on the sand, while others lounged on beach towels, grilled food or picnicked under the trees.

By 4 p.m., food trucks and beverage vendors were set up and serving long lines of hungry guests, while lawn chairs and blankets began claiming prime real estate along the lakeshore in anticipation of the main event.

As the sun dipped below the treeline, anticipation built for the fireworks show, which began right on time at 9 p.m. Bursts of color lit up the night sky and reflected off the surface of the lake, drawing cheers from spectators.

“During the show, you see the stunning colors in the sky and their beauty reflected in the water below,” Jones said.

Public safety and organization were a top priority for city and park officials. Park rangers, Pelham Police and Fire Departments and DCNR Game Wardens worked throughout the day to manage traffic, ensure smooth entry and maintain a safe environment for guests. Park gates closed at 7 p.m. to manage crowd size, and certain trails, like the Lake Trail to the dam, remained closed for safety.

The event is a major draw not only for Pelham residents, who received discounted admission, but also for visitors from across the Birmingham metro area and beyond. The city and the park collaborate closely each year to plan and promote the event, with the city funding the fireworks and the park overseeing operations.

“We are so thankful to have the support of the City of Pelham,” Jones said. “It’s clear the city values its residents and works tirelessly to create enjoyable events and recreational opportunities for them. Every effort has been made to ensure that Pelham residents have a safe and fun opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July in the community.”

For Oak Mountain State Park, the event is also a critical revenue driver.

“Alabama State Parks operate on a user-pay system,” Jones explained. “Fire on the Water is one of our biggest revenue generators of the year, and that funding is crucial to our efforts to protect, maintain and preserve the park for generations to come.”

As the crowd dispersed after the finale, many lingered on the beach, reluctant to let go of a day that blended natural beauty, patriotic spirit and the warmth of community. With another successful celebration in the books, the city and park staff are already looking ahead to next year.

For more information on Oak Mountain State Park, visit Alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park.

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