By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

CALERA – With live music and a fireworks show, Calera Main Street’s First Friday festival will celebrate Independence Day with a bang on Thursday, July 4 from 6-10 p.m.

While most First Fridays take place on its name sake day of the week, the Independence Day celebration will take place on Thursday this year to kick-off the holiday weekend.

According to Calera Main Street Director Jackie Batson, Calera Parks and Rec and TNT Fireworks are the presenting sponsors for the Independence Day celebration with the fireworks display made possible by TNT Fireworks. The show is set to run for at least 20 minutes.

“This will be the fourth year Calera has had an official fireworks display, and we’re honored that TNT Fireworks is sponsoring the show,” Batson said. “Our amazing Calera Fire Department will be setting them off and keeping us all safe.”

After sundown, the CFD will launch the fireworks from a platform across the railroad tracks. Weather permitting, the fireworks will be easily visible from The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Sav Mor Food Outlet, Calera Police Department, Cowart Drugs and the Calera Courtyard.

“Of course, the best vantage point for optimal viewing will be from the newly cleared lots adjacent to the Calera Courtyard, so folks will want to bring a chair and plan to stay after dark as we kick off the Independence Day weekend with a bang,” Batson said.

In addition to street parking on Highway 25 and Highway 31, there will be parking available in areas behind Fuzzy Buttz Pet Supply, Cowart Drugs, CVS, the Calera Police Department, Food Outlet and the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum.

Main Street is still accepting applications for artists, designers, makers, up-cyclers and local producers for vendor events. Those interested in applying to be an exhibitor may email events@downtowncalera.org with a description of what they sell. For more information, please visit Downtowncalera.org/events.