File photo by Bruce Newman

The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Fourth of July celebration will be lighting up the sky from a new location this year.

After years of being hosted at Oxford High School, the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, sponsored by NE SPARC, will move to mTrade Park, where the fireworks will be launched from the Brown Insurance Soccer Field.

The show will begin promptly at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, and promises to deliver the same dazzling display local families have come to love.

When the pandemic hit, the fireworks were moved from Swayze Field to Oxford High School in 2020. Prior to that, they were shot off at Avent Park.

The return to a more park-centered venue aims to provide a family-friendly setting with expansive space, better parking options, and improved crowd flow.

According to Chamber CEO and president Pam Swain, there are construction fire hazards near the high school.

“After carefully reviewing several alternatives, a committee determined that mTrade Park is the most ideal location for this year’s event,” Swain said. “We believe mTrade offers numerous benefits for the community, including ample parking and a spacious grassy lawn—perfect for setting up chairs or spreading out a blanket to enjoy a 4th of July picnic under the stars before an unforgettable fireworks show.”

The new location is also expected to restore a greater sense of community, with everyone gathered in one central area rather than scattered across multiple viewing points, Swain said.

With multiple access points from all directions, mTrade Park should allow for smooth traffic flow and easy access for attendees coming from across the county.

Parking will be available throughout the park, although some areas, especially near the north end of the soccer fields, will be closed off due to fireworks safety regulations. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

To add to the festive atmosphere, spectators are invited to tune in to WOXD 95.5 FM at 9 p.m. for a patriotic music soundtrack synchronized with the fireworks.