BEEVILLE — The rockets’ red glare and the bombs bursting in air should be the highlight of this Wednesday’s fabulous Fourth of July celebration at the Bee County Exposition Center.

This year, Angel Care Ambulance Service is sponsoring the big show again. And if the display is anywhere as impressive as it was last year, it should be one of the biggest shows in the Coastal Bend.

“I hope that it’s going to be just the same, if not better, than last year’s show,” said Angel Care co-owner Mickie Ochoa. “Hopefully, we’ll attract more people than last year.”

This year’s drought has created considerably dangerous conditions in the countryside, and the Bee County Commissioners Court has outlawed the use of many aerial fireworks.

That means the best show in town will be at the Expo Center. There is no admission or parking fee so going out there for the best show in town will be easy for everyone.

Also, with the members of the Beeville Volunteer Fire Department taking care of the display, everyone can be sure the event will be as safe as possible. Any fire that results from the show will be doused in seconds.

“We spent $1,000 to help purchase the fireworks again this year,” Angel Care co-owner Gabriel Aleman said. “We received a lot of compliments and thanks from the community the night of the fhe days following after last year’s event.”

“It’s a pleasure to help this year again and bring the community together for that one night for that one special event,” Aleman said. “I hope this year will be just as enjoyable as last year.”

The grounds are scheduled to open at 4 p.m., according to this year’s event coordinator, Bill Hooten.

Many vendors will have booths set up and food and drinks will be available.

Event organizers are hoping those who come out to see the fireworks will arrive early and get some refreshments.

The event is a family-oriented celebration that about 5,000 celebrants enjoyed last year.

Ballet Folklorico dancers are expected to open the celebration right at 4 p.m. and they will be followed by local Zumba dancers.

Mariachis are expected to perform from 6 until 7 p.m. and after that the Refugio-based band, No Vacancy, will keep the crowd entertained.

The fireworks are scheduled to start at about 9 p.m., or as soon as the sky is dark.

This year’s sponsors include Bee County, the City of Beeville, Angel Care, Dave Moore Ford, State Reps José Aliseda and J.M. Lozano, Superior Auto and Roberts Auto Parts.

Gary Kent is a reporter at the Bee-Picayune and can be reached at 358-2550, ext. 120, or at reporter@mySouTex.com.