Marietta Fireworks will present its annual display on Thursday, July 4, but for Gary Schatz and other volunteers, the show is a year-round endeavor.

"I pay attention to what other people do and look around to see what's available," Schatz said. "I see our supplier on and off all year, and we toss ideas around. I look at it like, 'Can I do that? What does it take to do that?'"

The fireworks will be shot off from Donegal Intermediate School on River Road in Marietta beginning at 9:15 p.m. or when conditions permit, and this year's show promises to be as impressive as ever, Schatz commented.

"We're going to be about half an hour again this year," he said, noting that about 70% of the show is programmed electronically, while 30% is shot off manually.

Several things make Marietta Fireworks unique, he said, including the organization's nonprofit status, its long history in the community - dating back to the late 1950s - and the nature of the show. He noted that the show includes a variety of fireworks, effects and a meticulously planned design.

"We also do something rare for a local show. We do what's called a 360 show," he added. "We try to be entertaining to anybody that's out in kayaks or boats watching, in town watching or anybody that's east, west, north or south of us."

Two great spots to watch the show in Marietta are War Memorial Park, 344 E. Walnut St., and Community Bible Church, 331 Anderson Ferry Road. The church will host a family-friendly event beginning at 4 p.m., featuring close to 20 food trucks, live music from Common Vine from 6 to 8 p.m. and kids' activities.

Putting on the fireworks display is a labor of love for Schatz, who started creating fireworks displays with the Marietta Jaycees in the 1980s.

"It's in my blood. It's my passion," he said. "I really enjoy the design, trying to get an idea of what to put together."

Marietta Fireworks operates with an all-volunteer committee, and Schatz noted that community support makes the event possible. Putting on an extensive fireworks display is an expensive endeavor.

"We get a lot of support from the clubs, organizations and businesses around town," he said. "I think the people in Marietta have every bit as much passion for this as what we do. We have a lot of donors, including individuals, who support us. We always hear, 'You're the best fireworks around.' You try not to let that go to your head."

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