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WHITE LAKE — On Saturday, White Lake will come alive with the booms and pops of fireworks to the delight of visitors who are expected to turn out en mass for the Fourth of July weekend.

The fireworks are expected to kick off at “about dark” said, Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dawn Maynard. Admission to the show is free.

Maynard said that, about one hour prior to the fireworks show, the center pier at Goldston’s Beach will be shut down and cleared of people so the fireworks crew can come in and set up.

Folks can watch the fireworks from their own piers or from the safety of the shores of Goldston’s Beach.

“The fireworks are sponsored by the Chamber and funded by donations from the businesses at the Lake and in Elizabethtown,” said Maynard.

Maynard added that Goldston’s Beach will be operating on its normal schedule and visitors can come out and enjoy the rides and games in the arcade or play a friendly game of miniature golf. Folks are also encouraged to enjoy a meal at Goldston’s Restaurant or the Sandwich Shop and, of course, stick around for the fireworks display.

Maynard said the fireworks show is a great time for everyone.

She added that one thing folks may not realize about the show is the amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into putting a show of this magnitude. Maynard said there are three governing entities involved in the permitting process for the fireworks show. She said three permits are required in order for the show to happen — a permit from the town of White Lake, a permit from Singletary Lake, and a permit from the fire marshal’s office.

Maynard said the employees of the town of White Lake help to make the fireworks show a success with the assistance they give to the fireworks operators and the assistance they give the Chamber in the permitting process.

In addition to the fireworks show, don’t forget the annual Fourth of July Sidewalk Sale in Elizabethtown, said Maynard.

The forecast is calling for a daytime high of 95 degrees on Saturday with isolated thunderstorms and a low of 75.

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Fireworks elsewhere

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— Lumberton’s “Family Fourth Fireworks Celebration” will celebrate the Fourth of July with music, food, vendors and a large fireworks display on Thursday, July 2, at Lumberton High. The activities begin at 7:30 p.m., with the fireworks show beginning at about 9 p.m. For more information, call 910-671-3869.

— The “Columbus County Fireworks Spectacular” will be held Friday, July 3, at South Columbus High in Tabor City. Gates open at 6 p.m. and entertainment begins at 7 p.m. No pets or coolers are allowed. There will be food and non-alcoholic beverages sold.

— Sampson County will hold its annual “Independence Day Celebration” for the community on Saturday at Royal Lane park in Clinton. The day will feature music, tennis tournament, horseshoe tournament, refreshment vendors and fireworks. The event opens at 1 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.

— The annual Swampdogs July 4 Celebration will be held Friday with a game and fireworks show at J.P. Riddle baseball stadium in Fayetteville. More information can be found at www.goswampdogs.com.

— Festival Park in Fayetteville will host the “Red White & You” concert and fireworks on Saturday. There will be live music, children’s activities and a fireworks extravaganza. The celebration starts at 4:30 p.m. and closes with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

— The Hope Mills “Parade, Party In the Park and Fireworks” will be held Saturday. The parade starts at 10 a.m. At 4 p.m, head out to Hope Mills Park for Party in the Park, which will feature live music and kids activities. The evening concludes with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. For more information, call 910-424-4500.

Erin Smith can be reached at 910-862-4163.