City fireworks show returning to Sportsplex for Fourth

The city of Blytheville's Fourth of July fireworks display is set to kick off at dusk next Friday at the Blytheville Youth Sportsplex, and according to organizers, the event is more than just a celebration of independence.

Each year, the City Advertising Tourist Promotion Commission sponsors the city's fireworks display as a way of promoting local tourism as well as offering a professional, top-notch display for people to enjoy, according to CATPC board member Molly Jackson.

Jackson said the CATPC, which uses a hotel tax collected to promote tourism in Blytheville, has a long history of sponsoring the sky-high light show, a show she said is as nice as any around.

"I really feel that our fireworks are as nice as any other shows around," she said. "We offer a nice professional show for people to come out and enjoy. And it really has the potential to bring in more revenue for the city."

According to Jackson, the CATPC's hope each year is that the display will draw people from all around, much the way the Lights of the Delta does at Christmastime, and entice them to spend some time shopping or dining in town.

This year's show, which starts at dusk on Thursday, will again feature patriotic music being played through the local KJAM radio station between 8-9:30 p.m., during the display. Jackson said the partnership with KJAM was well-received last year.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com