HATTIESBURG — With Hattiesburg’s Star-Spangled Celebration moved to The Commons at Gordon’s Creek, city officials have released parking locations, street closures and other information attendees should know before Thursday night’s festivities.
The annual celebration was relocated earlier this week after recent rainfall left Chain Park at Twin Forks too wet to safely host the event. The Hattiesburg portion of the celebration will now take place at The Commons at Gordon’s Creek, 105 Hardy St., while the Petal celebration at Petal River Park will continue as planned.
“We know Chain Park is part of this tradition for many Hattiesburg families, but this move gives us the best opportunity to host a safe, comfortable and enjoyable celebration,” Mayor Toby Barker said in a statement. “All the things people love about this event are still happening, and we look forward to gathering as a community to celebrate our country and the beginning of America’s 250th year.”
The free event begins at 6 p.m. Thursday and will feature live music, food vendors, a kids’ zone and a fireworks show.
According to the city’s latest event information, local band Unfazed will perform at 6 p.m., followed by the 41st Army Band of the Mississippi National Guard at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.
Parking
Public parking will be available in several downtown lots, along with any legal on-street parking.
Accessible parking will be available on the first floor of the two-story parking garage near Trustmark Bank. Golf cart parking will be located on the top floor of the same garage, but golf carts will not be allowed inside the event area.
The parking lot behind Mississippi Power and The Church at 4 Points will be closed because it will serve as the fireworks launch site and safety zone.
Street closures
Two street closures are planned for Thursday:
— Noon: Hardy Street between West Pine Street and McLeod Street will close for event setup.
— 4 p.m.: The closure will extend west to First Avenue as final preparations begin and pedestrian traffic increases.
City officials encourage drivers to use caution, follow posted signs, and allow extra time to park and walk to the event.
What to know before you go
Food and beverage vendors, including Fairley’s Wings, Pop and Co. and Kona Ice, will be on-site throughout the evening.
Please note that you may not bring pets, glass containers, tents or personal fireworks.
The Star-Spangled Celebration is hosted by the cities of Hattiesburg and Petal as the communities celebrate Independence Day and the beginning of America’s 250th year.
