THOMASVILLE — CNS of Thomasville is preparing to light the fuse for its annual “Fireworks Extravaganza” this Fourth of July.

The CNS-sponsored event begins 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Remington Park, in the playground area next to the soccer fields.

“CNS is all about our community and supporting it,” Sherri Nix, director of customer support, said. “This is a great time that people can get together and enjoy the holiday and what it represents. It is also a great way for our community to get together and have fun. We look forward to providing it each year.”

The event features a variety of crafts and games for the children, as well as food and drink vendors.

Nix said activities include photo frame making, inflatables, human bowling, making patriotic necklaces, face painting, cookie decorating and a coloring easel.

A new band will provide live entertainment this year, The Fabulous Classics from Valdosta.

“They are excellent musicians and singers,” Natalie Connell, city communications director, said Tuesday. “They play a wide variety of music including oldies, current, country, pop and patriotic — something I think will appeal to everyone. They’ve played here before for Main Street and I think they will be a great addition to the festivities. We’re excited to have them.”

The highlight of the evening takes place after sunset at approximately 9:30 p.m., when the fireworks display is set to begin.

The show, created by Melrose Pyrotechnics Inc., “promises to be spectacular and breathtaking,” Connell said. It is set to last approximately 30 minutes.

Spectators may park in the Butler-Mason YMCA or Remington Park parking lots, but parking on the grass is prohibited at the park.

For safety reasons, personal fireworks and grills are not allowed. Alcoholic beverages and pets are also prohibited on park property.

“We are excited to once again offer the ‘Fireworks Extravaganza’ to salute our nation’s freedom,” Connell said. “We invite everyone to come out to Remington Park, bring their lawn chairs and enjoy this free and exciting evening.”

This invitation extends to residents in surrounding areas, including Cairo-Grady County.

The Cairo City Council and the Grady County Board of Commissioners, who split the $10,000 item, decided in March not to hold their annual fireworks event because of the current economic situation.

Nix said the city spends $10,000 on its fireworks show and approximately $2,500 on entertainment activities. She said CNS relies on volunteers to help set up and work at the event, which reduces cost.

“We felt that our community, customers and citizens enjoy this event,” she said. “It is something they find value in and the money was budgeted for this, so we decided to go ahead with it. This event is something that literally thousands of people come to each year, our customers as well as people in nearby communities. We encourage everyone to come out and have fun.”



IF YOU GO

WHAT: “Fireworks Extravaganza”

WHEN: Starts 6:30 p.m. Saturday; fireworks expected at 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: Remington Park

INFORMATION: 227-7001; see advertisement, pages 3A and 8B