By Taylor Ivy

Last year, Batesville residents and friends rang in Independence Day with a bang and a flash at the first Fourth of July celebration held at the Batesville Civic Center.

Mayor Jerry Autrey, after realizing the lack of festivities in Batesville after SpringFest every May, had said to himself, “Well, we need some fireworks on the Fourth of July.”

He proceeded to assess the cost of a fireworks display and celebration, and after finding sponsors to support the event, Batesville’s first Fourth of July celebration was born.

The turnout for the event’s first year was enormous, with spectators filling parking lots adjoining and across the street from the Civic Center to watch the elaborate show in the sky. This year, attendance is expected to be larger due to the addition of several new activities offered throughout the day.

The festivities will start at 2 p.m. with the Nationwide Motorsports Ken/Ten Truck Pull at the BCC.

Tickets are $10 and are available at the civic center. Throughout the day, vendors will be set up to offer food and beverages outside the center. This year, the event boasts children’s activities as well, with monster truck rides, inflatables and a rock climbing wall beginning at 4 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., the entertainment will begin with free outdoor concerts by three local bands. The Electric Rodeo Band, the Billy Grantham Band and John Adams and Southern Country are all scheduled to perform.

The main event of the evening – the free fireworks display – will begin at 10 p.m.

Pyrofire, a fireworks company that has also done events in Southaven, Hernando and other places around the Mid-South, will be providing the evening’s fireworks.

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the celebration. For more information, call the Civic Center at 563-1392.