Preparations are under way for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. The show will last approximately onehalf hour and is one of the biggest in East Texas.

The fireworks show is directed and produced by Alpha-Lee Enterprises, Inc., of Liverpool, Texas. The show is a Keep Athens Beautiful event.

Even though July 4 is a holiday, the center will be open to visitors during regular Sunday hours, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. After 4:00 p.m., admission is free for the fireworks show.

Visitors are encouraged to fish in the stocked casting pond while waiting for the fireworks, which will begin at dark. No license is required to fish, and bait and tackle are furnished for free. Fishing ends approximately one-half hour before the fireworks begin.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and people are encouraged to bring picnics.

Pets, alcohol, tobacco products and private fireworks, including “snap caps” and sparklers, are not allowed.

The fireworks show is sponsored and paid for by the City of Athens, local businesses and individuals.

Parking is available in the main TFFC parking lot and in an overflow parking area on Peninsula Point Road.