Staff Writer

In just over a week, the Troy community will gather for a fun-filled day that will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display.

The annual Fourth of July celebration will begin at 5 p.m. at the Sportsplex in Troy and will include everything from a Diaper Derby for crawling infants to a hamburger cook off for adults.

Committee Chairman Dan Smith said the event has proven to be successful the past two years and adding things each year should make it the community event it is meant to be.

This year, one of the changes will be starting the entertainment an hour later and limiting it to one band which will be Johnny Barron and The Waterfall.

Activities, such as a water play area for children and games will start up at 5 p.m. Those games and activities, such as the watermelon eating contest, horseshoes and relays will be supervised by WTBF Radio, Pike Manor Health Care Center, Troy Cablevison, The Messenger and Troy Bank & Trust at tents pitched on the baseball fields.

There will also be plenty of free watermelon for those in attendance.

Anyone interested in firing up the grill for their favorite hamburger recipe can contact WTBF for the rules. Prizes will be $150 for first place, $75 for second place, $50 for third place and $25 for fourth place.

A patriotic program honoring veterans, especially those who fought in the Korean Conflict 50 years ago, will begin at 8 p.m. It will feature patriotic music performed by Sheila Jackson and guest speaker State Rep. Alan Boothe, D-Troy.

The program will be followed by a fireworks display, Smith said will be bigger than previous years.

When the fireworks light up the sky, those in attendance should be pleasantly surprised.

Each year, Smith adds more money to the fireworks budget so the display is a little bigger and brighter than the year before.

When the skies darken, this year, the sparks flying will be an array of colors, plus some new things nobody here has ever seen before, Smith said of the fireworks that will feature new shells and technology.

"This year, I’m looking forward to it," Smith said of the fireworks display that will include music provided by WTBF.

This year’s setup will allow viewers to have a great view.

"People are going to be closer than they’ve ever been," Smith said. "Fields 5, 6 and 8 should be packed with blankets and lawn chairs."

Smith said there will be plenty of free parking and easy access for everyone.

A traffic problem during the millennium July 4 celebration was eased last year with better flow patterns for incoming and exiting vehicles with the aid of the Troy Police Department.

Anyone interested in volunteering or having tent space can contact the Troy Parks and Recreation office at 566-4031. Veterans of the Korean Conflict are also asked to call if they plan on being in attendance at the special patriotic ceremony.