Gulf Coast, Ala. - Celebrate Independence Day on the beach with a variety of events planned on both Pleasure Island and the Eastern Shore. Featured are fireworks, of course, along with top flight entertainment, BBQ and plenty of patriotism.

Orange Beach

Begin your celebration early at The Wharf in Orange Beach with the annual Fireworks at the Wharf event which will be held Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4. The Spectra Light Show light and sound spectacular is

happening daily with a water show and a patriotic show. The show features 19 palm trees covered with LEDs. In addition, there is uplighting on the trees, street lighting from the sides of buildings as well as spinning theatrical lights that offer a wide variety of features, including projecting

pirate ships sailing down the street. Add to that a massive surround sound system and you have two blocks of pure excitement.

There will also be a Family Fun Zone with live music, food and drinks, capped off by a light and sound spectacular which will be held beginning at 9 p.m. both nights. For more information visit www.alwharf.com.

The Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach will host an Independence Day celebration Friday, July 5 with Southernstyle barbecue, fireworks and a live performance by the Wannabeatles! Open seating selection and barbecue opens at 6 p.m. A cash bar is available. Reservations are required by calling 251-981-9811.

The Wharf will also host Alabama in concert beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, July 5. For more information visit www.amphitheateratthewharf.com.

Gulf Shores

Just a few miles down the beach, the City of Gulf Shores will host its annual fireworks celebration on Thursday, July 4. The show, which begins at 9 p.m., will be shot from just south of the West Second Street access to the public beach featuring a variety of specialty shell fireworks and will be

visible from all local beaches. Activities will be planned throughout the day. For more information visit www.gulfshores.al.gov. A musical element will be broadcast on Sunny 105.7 FM to coincide with the show.

Fairhope

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, the City of Fairhope will host its annual Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks Display at Henry George Park and the Fairhope Municipal Pier. According to the City of Fairhope’s newsletter, City Sketches, the Baldwin Pops' Independence Day band concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Henry George Park. A variety of patriotic music will be played before and during the fireworks display, which begins at approximately 9 p.m. The north end of Fairhope Municipal Park will be open throughout the day and will remain open until no parking is available.

The south end of the beach front park and Knoll Park will be available to spectators. Handicap parking will be available near the fountain but will be limited. Those who wish to park in the handicap area should arrive early and plan to stay until the fireworks are over. WABF 1220 AM will be broadcasting the Baldwin Pops concert live for those who are not able to make it down for the concert.

Also this year, the band RockSolid will perform in the South Beach Park at 3 p.m. The group, made up of senior high school students from all over Alabama, has performed at 4th of July celebrations at Lake Martin, Panama City, Demopolis and Huntsville. They will perform a variety of patriotic music and some classic light rock. For more information visit www.cofairhope.com or contact Sarah Smith, event facilities manager at the James P. Nix Center, 251-929-1447 or email sarah.smith@cofairhope.com.

American Legion Post 199 will host a Fourth of July concert as part of its Concert Series and BBQ from 6 to 9 p.m. featuring entertainment by Grayson Capps. For more information call 251-928-9132