The 32nd annual Spa Blast at Oaklawn Park will kick off Independence Day celebrations in Hot Springs on July 3 this year.
The annual free event, presented by Budweiser, will take place in Oaklawn's infield, which will open at 5 p.m. It will feature live music headlined by Led Zepagain: a Tribute to Led Zeppelin and a Kid Zone with rock wall and petting zoo. It will culminate with a fireworks display at around 9:30 p.m.
According to Jennifer Hoyt, Oaklawn's media relations manager, guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets, but coolers are prohibited. Attendance is fairly consistent each year, she said.
"Depending on the weather, obviously, if it's really hot we'll have a late crowd," she said. "I think it was two or three years ago it was really nice and people came early. We'll definitely have, I think, 15,000 to 20,000 people. It will just depend on the weather how early they come. The fireworks themselves will start right about 9:30."
In the event of rain, Spa Blast will be postponed to July 6.
The fireworks will continue July 4 with the annual Independence Day fireworks display on Lake Hamilton sponsored by Visit Hot Springs.
The fireworks will be shot from the middle of Lake Hamilton from barges located on the east side of Highway 7 at the first bridge.
"It's a well-coordinated effort with great cooperation," Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said. "I think a lot of visitors come here for the event year after year, it's just a shame it's in the middle of the week this year."
Arrison said the best places to see the display are around the Clarion Resort on the Lake. Organizers ask that those viewing the display don't impede the flow of traffic on Highway 7.
Those planning to view fireworks from the water are urged to keep a safe distance and watch for fellow boaters. In the event of rain, the display will be rescheduled to July 7.
Arrison said traditionally there are displays held on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day; however, the July display will be the last one for 2018.
"Right now there are no plans for Labor Day fireworks," he said. "The turnout has been light the last few years."
Local on 06/21/2018