Congratulations to the City of Batesville and other sponsors for the Fourth of July activities at Batesville Civic Center last week.

Although scattered rain chased folks in and out and may have kept crowds away from the earlier events, thousands (an estimated 2,400) made it to the center to see fireworks when the temperature was perfect and parking was at a premium.

Onlookers gathered at nearby establishments and as far away as the Panola Country Club to enjoy the fireworks.

For those who had traditional family and neighborhood gatherings, the firework finale was late enough that most could enjoy both.

Mud trucks and children’s games kept many busy during the afternoon and into the evening, and live music entertained all into the finale.

Comments from the panolian.com website included:

— Thanks for the 4th of July Show at the civic center, it was great. It was a very great show plus I noticed there were several police officers there to keep law and order, my children and I felt very safe.

—I’m so thankful that we have something like this in town for the 4th!!! Thanks everyone for making it so much fun for our family!!! Beautiful Fireworks Show!!! Thanks again!

—Spectacular show again this year. Thank you Mayor, Alderman, Law Enforcement & sponsors. Just great to have such a huge show in our town.

—I’ll agree with the above poster, last year’s fireworks show was great and so was this one… kudos!

   It’s not often that a public event gets positive, unanimous feedback on our website, and from all counts, everyone enjoyed themselves.

  Ah, live music, cold refreshments and fireworks on the Fourth of July. What could be more American?