By By Adam Prestridge
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians put on a patriotic fireworks spectacle Monday night to celebrate Independence Day.
The dazzling display of colorful pyrotechnics awed the crowd of thousands that gathered at Arrowhead Park in Poarch to celebrate during the tribe's fifth annual Fourth of July celebration.
"We've been doing it for several years now and it just keeps growing," Poarch Band of Creek Indians Community Relations Director Sharon Delmar said. "We had great response from it. People from the surrounding areas are coming to it because the show is really one of the best in the area."
Prior to the event, several guest speakers addressed the crowd and numerous singers performed. The Tribal Council was also introduced, as well as the 2004-05 Princesses and firefighters.
Prior to the 20-minute long firework display, numerous local veterans were recognized for their service to our country during a flag ceremony performed by the Atmore Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7016.
For former United States Marine and Lottie resident John Bell, the ceremony was touching.
"I think it's great," he said. "It's a great family atmosphere. God is here and that's one thing that this country was founded on, which is usually left out in the bigger cities. Things that aren't in the city are here. This is our fourth year we've been here and it's the best one (celebration) we've been to."
Delmar believes the celebration went great and was pleased with the entertainment offered.
"We had a lot of great entertainment highlighted by the VFW Post 7016," Delmar said. "We had people from the surrounding areas as far as Pensacola and Mobile. Our firework show was really incredible."
Atmore resident Marlene Piece said the Fourth of July celebration helps serve as a reminder to those who forget what the day is really all about.
"It's nice for the Poarch community to give back something for the Fourth of July to those men and women who died for our country, that's really what today's about" she said. "We wouldn't have the freedom we all enjoy today without the veterans that are here today."
In addition to the speakers, musical guests and fireworks show to celebrate the red, white and blue, concessions and souvenirs were also sold at the event.
Delmar said the event ran smoothly, but credited Poarch law enforcement and fire personnel for assisting in the efforts.
"We're very appreciative of the efforts by the Poarch Police Department and the Poarch Volunteer Fire Departments to ensure that the event ran smoothly. The crowd was on excellent behavior. It was very much a family-oriented event."
All-in-all, Delmar believes the event was a success and was a wonderful tribute to those that died for our country.
"We base this event on celebrating our independence and honoring those that have served our country and those that are presently serving," she concluded.