City Plans Bigger Fireworks Show, Other Activities July 4

Fireworks will be back as the feature attraction for the city's Fourth of July celebration, and in a big way.

The city is set to contract with a new vendor – Exposhows Inc.. – to provide the display culminating activities around Lake Wailes which will include food, vendors and entertainment leading up to the 9 p.m. aerial spectacular on July 4.

This year, Lake Wales officials are agreeing to spend an additional $5,500 on top of the previously budgeted amount to provide the biggest city-sponsored show in years.

"We'd like to add a little bit more to our fireworks for the community than we have in the past," City Manager James Slaton said.

The extra dollars will allow for the show to be expanded from 12 to 20 minutes, which will be highlighted by a 422-shell, two-minute grand finale, according to information provided by the company.

In all, Exposhows expects to launch 1,104 shells, ranging from 2.5 inch to 5 inches in diameter. According to a memo from officials in the village of Palm Springs, who used the firm for their 2020 holiday display, the company uses larger shells than some other firms that "will allow for a higher reach and thus provide residents the opportunity to see the show from their residences."

Palm Springs officials added that "The village contracted with this vendor in 2020 and the feedback from the community was very positive and supportive of the product displayed. In addition, the vendor was well received by the village's operations team for the event as well as Palm Beach County Fire Rescue."

Lake Wales is piggybacking on that city's contract for the local display, which totals $21,800. A complete schedule of events for the day will be released in the coming weeks.

"This is great. I see other cities around us having their Fourth of July fireworks, so let's keep our people home if we can," Mayor Eugene Fultz added.

For additional information, contact Stephanie Edwards at [email protected] or 863-678-4182 extension 242.