By Rose Hooper
As darkness falls on Main Street Friday night, the push of
a button will ignite this year's firework display in downtown
Sylva.
Jackson County's Fourth of July celebration promise to be "unique
and spectacular," said Jackson County Recreation and Parks Department
Director Jeff Carpenter.
"This year for the first time, one-third of the show will be
electronically controlled," said Carpenter. In the past 18 years
the department has organized the event, fireworks have been
lit by hand.
Beginning at dark the night sky above the Jackson County Courthouse
will dazzle crowds with dragons and dahlias, smiley faces and
chrysanthemums, rising comet tails and the planet Saturn, and
sparkles of patriotic red, white and blue showcasing an American
flag.
"We'll have close to 1,000 booms and bangs," said Carpenter,
noting that Melrose Pyrotechnic of Atlanta, the same company
used by the Atlanta Braves and the Coca-Cola 600, will provide
Sylva's fireworks program.
To intensify the viewing experience, 3D glasses will be available
for $1.
"Using our popular courthouse as the backdrop, we have the
most unique setting in Western North Carolina for a fireworks
show," said Carpenter.
The courthouse steps will be blocked off at about 3 p.m. as
crews begin setting up the display. According to Alcohol, Tobacco
and Firearms regulations, a safety zone of 700 feet is required
around the fireworks staging area.
"That's why we have to close Main Street from the fountain
up to the red light at Wachovia Bank," said Carpenter, who suggested
Main Street as the best viewing spot. "Bring your lawn chairs
and come early to enjoy the pre-show activities."
Main Street will be closed to traffic at 6 p.m. as the evening's
musical entertainment in the Central Carolina Bank parking lot
begins with hometown country singer Matt Stillwell, followed
at 7:30 p.m. by the Bobby Sullivan Band featuring classic rock/top
40 hits.
Inflatable rides for children will be located in the town parking
lot, and "crazy games," including watermelon seed spitting and
Oreo stacking, will be staged in various areas along Main Street.
Sylva Partners in Renewal will provide an information booth,
complete with details on its upcoming Mill Street renovation
program, and sell bottled water and Fourth of July trinkets
as a fund-raiser at the corner by the Jewelry Outlet.
The Golden Age Senior Center will sell lemonade in front of
Peeble's to help raise funds for this fall's Senior Games in
Raleigh. First Baptist Church will sell homemade ice cream,
hot dogs and soft drinks on the church lawn. Additional food
vendors will be located in the Allison parking lot and, if needed,
the First Citizens Bank parking lot.
Additional sponsors for the celebration include Jackson County
Board of Commissioners, Travel and Tourism Authority, Jackson
County Chamber of Commerce, Town of Sylva, Sylva Partners in
Renewal, The Sylva Herald, WRGC Radio and WestCare Health Systems.
The Sylva Herald offices and printing plant will close Friday,
July 4, to allow employees to enjoy the Independence Day holiday
with friends and family.
While the Friday closing will not require any changes to news
or advertising deadlines, Herald Publisher Jim Gray request
readers submit information about happenings, society notices,
meetings, display and classified advertising as early as possible
for the July 10 issue.
"And have a safe and happy holiday," Gray said.
