Editor’s note — The following is a breakdown of July Fourth events happening in Athens and elsewhere:

In Athens, the 2018 edition of the annual Red, White and Boom Fireworks Show will feature synchronized music for the first time. Local radio station 105.1 FM (1110 AM) WSLV will broadcast the tunes, according to Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association President Teresa Todd. Those who are unable to pick up the station on a radio can stream it online through the TuneIn app, Streema app or http://bit.ly/WSLVCountry.

“We were sponsored by the Huntsville International Airport, so that allowed us to do a lot of things we’ve been unable to do in the past,” Todd said.

Also new this year are commemorative T-shirts, available at the tourism office on North Beaty Street and Boneyard Antiques on the Square while supplies last. The shirts are designed to showcase both the fireworks show and the bicentennial celebrations in Athens and Limestone County. They come in adult sizes medium through 3XL with pricing from $15–$18 payable by cash or check.

Red, White and Boom will take place “rain or shine” at the Athens High School stadium on U.S. 31, Todd said. The show should start around nightfall Wednesday, and Todd estimated 8,000 visitors to attend.

“Not everyone is able to afford a fireworks show in the their community, so a lot of people come to Athens for the fireworks,” she said.

The fireworks display starts at nightfall, with Athens Fire & Rescue assisting the fireworks company, City of Athens Communications Specialist Holly Hollman said. No seating is available inside the stadium, but spectators are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and watch from the school parking lot or nearby public areas.

Athens Police will restrict access to U.S. 31 after the show. Those east of U.S. 31 will exit north after the show, while those west of U.S. 31 will exit south.

“The show usually draws thousands of spectators, so motorists in the area need to slow down and watch for increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic,” Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson said.

Hollman also reminded Athens residents the city prohibits fireworks inside the limits except for permitted events such as Red, White and Boom.

More holiday happenings

Looking to celebrate early or outside of Athens? Here some other nearby events:

• The U.S. Space and Rocket Center will host patriotic activities during museum hours, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. today. General admission will be charged, with kids 12 and under free. A fireworks display is scheduled for 9 p.m., though the center warns that due to the size of the display — planned to be its largest yet — no parking will be permitted at the center. Instead, viewers are encouraged to watch of nearby locations such as Bridge Street Town Centre.

• The 52nd annual Spirit of America Festival will take place 9 a.m.–10 p.m. today at Point Mallard Park in Decatur. A children’s bicycle parade is scheduled for 9 a.m., with fireworks scheduled for 9 p.m. The festival is free, but admission to the Point Mallard Water Park is not.

• A Fourth of July pool party is scheduled 11 a.m.–8 p.m. today at Chapman Pool, 2015 Pettus Drive NE, Huntsville. Music, games, an inflatable water slide, kiddie pool and more are included. Food and drinks will also be for sale. Tickets are $5 per person with children 2 and under free.

• The Blanche Community Freedom Festival will be held 2–9 p.m. today at Blanche School in Taft, Tennessee. Event activities include food, a foam pit, door prizes, Bingo, laser tag, a rock wall and more. American Idol contestant Dave Pittman will perform. Clothes for Kids will be accepting clothing donations. Admission is free. For more information, call 931-425-6719 or 931-427-2397.

• Stars and Stripes Forever in Madison will also take place 2–9 p.m. today at Dublin Park in Madison. The free event will feature live music, inflatables, food trucks and a 9 p.m. fireworks show. New this year is a cornhole tournament. Those who attend must park at Bob Jones High School, where a free shuttle is provided to the park. For more information, call 256-772-9300.

• Village of Providence will host a Fourth of July celebration at 7 p.m. today, with live music from the AMC Band and fireworks scheduled for 9:05 p.m. The event is free, but no outside coolers are allowed.

• The city of Guntersville will host a free fireworks display at 9 p.m. today. According to Rocket City Mom, the best viewing will be from Civitan Park. Those who wish to attend are reminded that no stopping or parking is permitted on the river bridge. Synchronized music available through WTWX 95.9 FM.

Holiday closings

All city and county offices will be closed today. Many banks and businesses will be closed or honor different hours than usual for the holiday.

The city of Athens has announced sanitation routes will run as scheduled this week, though they may run earlier than usual today. Residents are asked to have their bins to the curb by 6 a.m.