The Sawmill Square Mall will light up the sky around the City of Laurel Friday as the mall produces its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Display.

This year’s event will begin at 9:15 p.m. Friday in the northwest corner of the mall’s property.

Bill McMullan, manager of Sawmill Square Mall, said this year’s presentation will be the mall’s 14th Annual Fireworks Display.

McMullan said this year’s sponsors are the City of Laurel, The EDA and Jones County Chamber of Commerce, The Jones County Board of Supervisors, Cowboy Maloney’s Electric City, Catfish One, Laurel Oil, Endom Trailor & Welding Repair, Howard Technology Solutions, McDonalds, McAllisters Deli, West Quality Foods, Kim's No Bull and Stinson Petroleum.

“These sponsors are very important to this community project,” McMullan said. “Without these sponsors, who provide financial support, it would be impossible to provide this quality fireworks display.”

He said the City of Laurel’s Police Department and Fire Department also play major roles in assisting the mall during this annual event.

McMullan said the event is great for the community.

“It’s a great event for the city. It attracts roughly 12,000 to 15,000 people,” he said. “The display brings in people from throughout Jones County as well as people from Smith, Wayne, Jasper and Covington counties and other surrounding areas.”

McMullan said the event is designed to showcase the area’s appreciation for the freedom that citizens of the United States of America enjoy.

“We believe in our country and we want to show our appreciation,” he said. “We thank the soldiers and the veterans for their service to our country. We also appreciate the freedom we all enjoy. Therefore, we are happy to present this fireworks display and celebrate the Fourth of July as Independence Day.”

In addition to residents viewing the fireworks at the mall, Laurel Express will be hosting its Second Annual Seeing Stars Friday.

Jackie Lee, director of Laurel Express, said the downtown organization is inviting the public to gather at Pinehurst Park to watch the fireworks display in historic downtown Laurel.

Lee said gathering for Seeing Stars will begin at 7 p.m.

“Bring your folding chairs and blankets,” she said. “Friends, family and church groups are invited for a night of fireworks and fun.”

Lee said hot-dogs and drinks will be sold at the park.