This town has a passion for fireworks - big time," said Gary Schatz, a lifelong resident of Marietta. "I think that's why we're so successful. The surrounding towns just love fireworks, too."

Marietta Fireworks will take place on Saturday, July 4. The show will begin at 9:15 p.m. or when conditions permit, but the fun starts earlier. There are two locations that will host activities leading up to the display.

People are invited to War Memorial Park, 344 E. Walnut St., Marietta, to enjoy an old-fashioned carnival beginning at 4:30 p.m. The carnival will feature games, bounce houses, music and more.

"We're doing food trucks, which we started doing last year, and we're trying to bring a nostalgic-style carnival to the community," Schatz said. "I want the community to come out, have a good time, meet people and have fun before the fireworks show."

At Community Bible Church, 331 Anderson Ferry Road, Marietta, the pre-fireworks festivities will begin at 5 p.m. Activities at the church will include food trucks, a barrel train for kids, yard games and entertainment from juggler Chris Ivey, beginning at 7 p.m.

The two options for viewing the fireworks each provide unique experiences, Schatz said.

"From the church, you're up high, and that is a nice way to see the show," he commented. "The park is ground level, so the show is all aerial. Plus, you get a better concussion off the mountains at the park."

Fundraising for Marietta Fireworks is a year-round job for Schatz, who hosts booths at community events such as Marietta Day and the Cherry Blossom Festival, while also participating in Memorial Day parades to collect donations.

Marietta Fireworks has also begun selling memorabilia to raise money, including T-shirts, mugs, lanyards, jar openers and Schatz's favorite - dog bandanas with paw prints and the word "fireworks" circled in red with a line through it.

In the past, Marietta Fireworks has enlisted volunteers to work a "bucket brigade," wandering through the crowd at the event to collect donations. This year, the group has changed its strategy.

"In addition to the merchandise, people can support us by donating from a QR code right from their car as they drive in or out of the event," Schatz said, noting that signs will be displayed to make donating quick and easy.

With rising prices and increased tariffs, it's getting more and more expensive to put on a quality fireworks show, but Schatz is determined to continue the community tradition.

"I'm always looking to the future, and I have my dollar sign in mind for what we can do," he said. "We want to keep this a free event. We're 100% free to attend, and people are watching our fireworks from a mile out in all directions. That's why our show is different. I have to make sure I have shells that can get that height, so people can see it from anywhere."

This year's show will feature red, white and blue fireworks in tribute to the country's 250th birthday, and Schatz said it will run about 25 to 30 minutes.

"There are not a lot of breaks in the show," he said, noting that the majority of fireworks are set off electronically. "You're going to see very few gaps where there's nothing in the sky. That's rare, and that's hard to do."

Marietta Fireworks has grown increasingly popular over the past few years, Schatz said.

"It's always very well-attended," he said, encouraging people to arrive early. "I never want to say that we're the best show, and I never want to say we're the longest show, but it's a pure community and family event, with a fantastic fireworks display to boot."

For more information on Marietta Fireworks, follow "Marietta Fireworks" on Facebook or visit https://mariettafireworks.org.