NATCHEZ — This year’s Fourth of July fireworks show is going to be bigger and better than ever, said event organizer Stratton Hall, who represents the Tourism Council’s fireworks committee.

A representative from Pyrotechnico, the company that’s organizing the show, spoke with Hall extensively about shooting the fireworks higher and making the event last longer, she said.

People can expect to enjoy approximately 22 minutes of fireworks, Hall said, and it’s set up so people on both sides of the river can see the display. It will begin on The Bluff as soon as it’s dark outside, she said.

“I know it’s going to be spectacular,” she said. “We planned it so a lot of people can see it. It’s a regional display.”

This year’s Fourth of July fireworks budget was $12,500, and at the June 14 Board of Aldermen meeting. Aldermen said the city would pledge $2,500. Hall said Adams County pledged to donate $2,500 toward the display, and Vidalia Mayor Mayor Hyram Copeland committed to matching any funds the Tourism Council raised from Natchez.

Other entities, including the Adams County Board of Supervisors and the Christmas in Natchez committee, also gave money to help fund the show, Hall said.

More fireworks are planned for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

The next show will be Nov. 26, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and Hall said it’s intended to get people in the spirit of Christmas.

Fireworks shows are also planned for Dec. 3 and Dec. 10. Each of the three shows will cost approximately $5,300. The cost of all four shows totals nearly $28,500.

So far, Hall said, she’s raised $14,000.

Hall said she wants to keep adding to the number of displays per year.

“Hopefully, it’ll go so well this year that we’ll have more weekends (with fireworks) next year,” she said. “We’ll hopefully gain momentum.”

Having more shows would create more opportunities for family events everyone can enjoy, Hall said.

“It’s going to be better than we’ve seen in years,” she said.

Since the fireworks will be shot directly under the gazebo on The Bluff, those watching the display won’t be allowed under the gazebo for safety reasons, Hall said. The Vidalia riverfront will be closed to traffic.