Niceville’s night sky will light up this Fourth of July starting at 8:45 PM, thanks to donations from the community and sponsorship of local businesses.
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The official website for the annual event, lightupthebayou.com, lists five public viewing areas for the fireworks extravaganza:
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Niceville
Valparaiso
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Another – though harder-to-access spot to watch the fireworks is from Post’l Point on Eglin Air Force Base. You must have base access to use this area, though.
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Typically, people begin to show up on the shores of Boggy Bayou around eight in the morning to secure a good viewing spot for the fireworks display. But, if you have other plans all day, fear not – most people dont begin to show up until around 6:00 PM.
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Hundreds of boats fill the bayou as well – although Niceville Fire Department does cordon off an area of the bayou for the city’s fireworks barge to ensure a safe evening for all.
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All of the money raised for the fireworks display comes from donations supplied by individuals or companies. This year, the title sponsor – Niceville’s 3rd Planet Brewing – donated $10,000 to the event. Two other main sponsors, GCT and Ruckel Properties, donated $5,000 each.
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