Annual Balloon Glow offers food, fun, fireworks

RIDGELAND — Food vendors, live music, a children’s fun area and fireworks will all be part of the Fourth of July festivities Friday at Northpark.

Musical acts will include the band Dialogue, the Blues Boyz and the Victory Belles.

Officials expect as many as 10,000 people to come out for the annual event beginning at 5 p.m. Friday.

The signature balloon glow is scheduled for 8 p.m. with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

“Enjoy an evening of patriotism and celebration,”  said Rachel Collier of the parks department.

Collier said organizers have opted for more local acts this year. The Victory Belles are a vocal trio that performs music from the 1940s. They are based out of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. 

Parks and Recreation Director John Sidney North said the trio will perform “patriotic music.”

Dialogue is a Chicago cover band. The Blues Boyz describe themselves as a Blues Brothers tribute band.

There is no admission cost and parking is free.

“We encourage our citizens to come out and show their patriotism with a night of good food, fun and entertainment,” North said.

The city has held the event for at least 25 years.

For more information, go to ridgelandsportsandevents.com.