The City of Auburn will celebrate its 15th annual Fourth of July Spectacle on Friday, July 4, at Duck Samford Lawn.
The event is open to everyone in Lee County to enjoy a night filled with music, family-fun activities and fireworks.
Admission is free, gates will open at 6 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Guests are advised to arrive early because of the popularity of the event.
The parking lot off of East University Drive and the Lakeview Baptist Church parking lot will be open for public parking.
According to community and special programs director Alison Hall, the event will be a stress-free and tailgate-friendly environment.
Guests are allowed to bring their own coolers, blankets and food; however, glass is prohibited.
Food vendors will also be available on the lawn, offering Country's Barbecue plates, kettle corn and shaved ice.
"The community offers a lot of different things for families to do," Hall said. "I think they're used to getting out and about, and this is another chance to do that."
The Park Band will take the stage at 7 p.m. and will entertain guests with '70s, '80s, '90s and contemporary hits.
"Everyone spreads out their chairs and blankets," Hall said. "I think that's the beauty of it. It's a relaxed and fun event."
After the sun goes down, the fireworks display will begin. It is sponsored by Briggs and Stratton Corporation.
Briggs and Stratton is the world's largest manufacturer of air-cooled gasoline engines used primarily for outdoor power equipment.
Each year, the company donates $10,000 to the City of Auburn for its Fourth of July celebration.
"When they were located here, Briggs and Stratton approached the city about this," said public relations specialist Meg Rainey. "The Fourth of July is very much a part of their corporate culture. They sponsor the Fourth of July celebration at their home location in Milwaukee and extended that to their Auburn location."
If weather permits, the City of Auburn anticipates the arrival of at least 10,000 spectators.
Ali Wilson, Auburn resident, wife and mother of three, has been enjoying the show for the past 10 years.
"It's an anticipated night all summer," Wilson said. "It's just magical and fun. I love seeing (the children's) faces light up when they see the fireworks go off."
According to Rainey, it's a time for families to change their orange and blue tailgate theme to red, white and blue. Most importantly, it's a night for neighborhoods, families and friends to join together to celebrate the nation.
In case of rain, spectators will be able to gather on Saturday, July 5, at 9 p.m. for the fireworks show only.
For more information, visit AuburnAlabama.org/parks.
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