Independence day is less than a day and a half away and many of you are probably making plans for the big day.

There are several events going on in the area to enjoy, including several fireworks shows.

An inaugural show, and a long running fireworks show will give everyone an opportunity to see the sky light up.

For years downtown Panama City's sky has been lit with fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Downtown improvement board officials say this year will be bigger and better than ever.

Dutch Sanger with the Downtown Improvement Board said, "It's really exciting because we're taking the centennial and fourth of July and putting it all together."

Two barges, loaded with 50 thousand dollar worth of fireworks, will excite an expected record crowd.

That's double the fireworks from last year.

Sanger added, "It's always one of the biggest events in Bay County, and I think with the centennial and fourth and just the shear size of the fireworks, I'm expecting record crowds."

There's a new fireworks showing hitting Bay County this year too.

A number of grand lagoon businesses, including Capt. Anderson's, Boatyard, Treasure Ship, The Lighthouse Marina, Treasure Island Marina, and Pirates Cove Marina are teaming up to present the area's first fireworks show.

Dave Schaler with the Treasure Island marina said, "We've been thinking about this for many years. It's the perfect venue, you've got the water right here and everything around it."

You will be able to watch the show from a boat or any one of the surrounding restaurants, or marina's free of charge staring at 8:30 on Saturday.

And if you're looking for something fun to do on Friday the 3rd, the boardwalk beach resort has several events going on, including a fireworks show of its own.

Director of Marketing for Royal American Amy Harris said, "We've recreated the magic of the ocean city and Atlantic city boardwalks right here in Panama City Beach. Our beach bash will include festival foods, attractions."

The boardwalk beach bash opens to the public, Friday from 12 p.M. To 11 p.M. with fireworks starting at 9.

Then it's back again Saturday beginning at 11:00.

Whether you live here or just visiting there's plenty of ways to celebrate America's birthday.

The Panama City celebration runs from 10 am to 10 pm in downtown Panama City with the fireworks show beginning at 9.