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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n4 tips to keep your dog calm during July 4 fireworks<\/p>\n
Dogs and other pets have a great sense of hearing, which is one reason why they dislike fireworks.<\/p>\n
Staff video, USA TODAY<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Families across Mississippi won\u2019t have to wait until July 4<\/a> to celebrate. The holiday falls on a Saturday in 2026, and many people will get a three-day weekend to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday<\/a>.<\/p>\n Magnolia State communities will celebrate Independence Day with local events that include music, food, games and fireworks shows<\/a>.<\/p>\n Many are taking place in the week leading up to the holiday. You can enjoy several patriotic celebrations<\/a> with the right plan.<\/p>\n Find events across Mississippi to celebrate with friends and family. They are listed in order by start time, with fireworks showtimes provided separately when available.<\/p>\n Ridgeland<\/a> partners with Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest to host the annual Celebrate America Balloon Glow<\/a>. More than 15 hot air balloons will light up and take to the evening skies. There will be live music, headlined by country singer George Birge, and food.<\/p>\n Mantachie<\/a> welcomes families for a fireworks show. Food trucks open at 6 p.m., and there will be waterslides for kids. Spunk Monkees will play live music from 7-9 p.m.<\/p>\n Guntown<\/a> plans a full day of family fun with waterslides from 2-8 p.m., along with other events. At 4:45, a 30-foot by 60-foot American flag will be unfurled while people sing the national anthem. Live music starts at 5 p.m. There will be food trucks, vendors and more.<\/p>\n Long Beach knows how to party. The 4th of July Jubilee<\/a> events start with a festival at 9 a.m. and a parade<\/a> at 6 p.m. The block party runs from 7-11 p.m.<\/p>\n The Houston Homecoming starts with a kids parade at 5:30 p.m., followed by a recognition of veterans at 6:15 p.m. A free concert starts at 7 p.m. with live music from 2 Piece and a Biscuit and Brassfield. The night will end with a fireworks show.<\/p>\n Ready to celebrate America’s birthday? Natchez is hosting two days of family fun.<\/p>\n On July 3<\/a>, Epic Funk Brass Band will lead the second line parade at 4:30 p.m. World War II veteran Capt. Jack Kerwin is grand marshal. A family festival runs from 4:30 p.m. until dark at Bandstand on the Bluff. Live music starts at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n Watch fireworks over the Mississippi River from the Natchez Bluff on the 4th of July. The Live at Five<\/a> event kicks off with live music at 5 p.m., including Cha Cha Boo and The Remedy. The evening will include games for all ages.<\/p>\n The city of Olive Branch<\/a> will have its Freedom Fest fireworks show in the city park. Performers include Jamie MacDonald. The event syncs up with Light the Way<\/a>, the largest free Christian music fest in north Mississippi.<\/p>\n Nettleton<\/a> will hold its annual Independence Day parade. It starts at 6 p.m. Friday, July 3. The route ends at Roy Black Park, where people can enjoy games, food trucks and entertainment. There’s a watermelon contest at 7:30 p.m., sponsored by Piggly Wiggly. The Best-Dressed Contest is at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks show will start at dark.<\/p>\n The Mississippi Mud Monsters<\/a> have home games against the Florence Y’alls at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 3 and a doubleheader starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 4. They’re planning a fireworks extravaganza both nights after the games. Every Friday is a Fireworks Friday, and they’ll honor Independence Day both nights. If you’re near Trustmark Park in Jackson, be ready for the show.<\/p>\nHot air balloons light up Ridgeland sky<\/h2>\n
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Mantachie plans music and kids activities<\/h2>\n
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Guntown sets daylong lineup with giant flag<\/h2>\n
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Long Beach plans festival parade and block party<\/h2>\n
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Houston Homecoming features parade and tribute<\/h2>\n
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Natchez marks two days of July 4 festivities<\/h2>\n
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Olive Branch pairs Freedom Fest with Christian music festival<\/h2>\n
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Nettleton kicks off parade and park activities<\/h2>\n
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Mississippi Mud Monsters plan 2 nights of fireworks<\/h2>\n
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Baldwyn hosts music and fireworks show<\/h2>\n