The sky will be filled with hearts, stars, sunflowers, and all kinds of crossette shells when "Thunder Over Thurmond's" fireworks extravaganza gets underway at approximately 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 11.

The annual Independence Day celebration is sponsored by the governments of Lincoln County and McCormick County in order to promote the two counties and their greatest common asset, Clark's Hill Lake.

The 15 to 17-minute fireworks show will be orchestrated from a launching site just south of the Savannah River Bridge.

Weather permitting, spectators will be able to see the fireworks from several miles away. Suggested viewing sites include Elijah Clark State Park, Soap Creek Marina, Soap Creek Restaurant, Hickory Knob State Park, the Plum Branch Yacht Club, and of course, the lake.

Once again, the show will be presented by Melrose Pyrotechnics of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Melrose Pyrotechnics has produced fireworks displays for a variety of fairs, festivals, and Independence Day celebrations in Florida, Michigan, Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, Texas, Ohio, and even Cuba.

For more information about Thunder Over Thurmond, contact the Lincolnton Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce at 706-359-7970.