Columbia County Prepares for Boom! in the Park

EVANS, Georgia (WJBF) – This Independence Day promises to be a prosperous one – in more ways than one.

Columbia County’s annual Boom! In the Park event will take place Thursday, and organizers expect thousands of people to come out to enjoy all the patriotic event has to offer.

There will be live music and food and drink vendors.

“We will start the night with the national anthem and then we will have Whiskey Run and Ryan Trotti performing all night,” said Janet Wheatley, Columbia County Programs and Events Manager. “We will have over thirty food, beverage and dessert vendors on site.”

And of course there will be fireworks, with a laser show this year.

“It’ll be on stage and around the stage. It’s new this year, so it’ll be new for us to see exactly how it’s done and everything, but there’ll be a lot of lights,” Wheatley said.

Admission is free and you can bring your own chairs and blankets, but no tents or canopies.

There are white marked safety lanes for the crowd to walk.

“It’s also for emergency situations,” Wheatley said. “So if EMS, police, fire, whoever might need access, we want to leave that lane open so they can drive their utility vehicles down that lane.”

With the high temperatures we’ve been experiencing recently, Wheatley said they’ve taken precautions to ensure safety.

“We have to get permits, we have the fire department on standby, we have professionals shooting off the fireworks, of course, but we encourage everyone to bring water with you,” she said. “We’re saying no food or drinks are allowed outside, but soft coolers with water are allowed. Bring your cooling towels, it’s going to be hot tomorrow.”

Parking is available at the government complex, plaza, parking lot, market and handicapped parking is located at Evans Surgery Center.

“We can’t wait for everyone to come. We want you to come create memories with your families and friends and enjoy a fun day of food, entertainment and fireworks,” Wheatley said.

Doors open at 5pm and the laser and fireworks show begins at 9:15pm. For more information, click here.