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Those planning to watch the City of Port Arthur’s Fourth of July fireworks show will have a rare opportunity to see it in a way most haven’t before, as the Port Arthur Yacht Club will open the Pleasure Island Marina to the public.

The event that begins at 3 p.m. with free admission includes live music, games for children, vendors and food booths. And at 9 p.m., when the show begins, visitors will have a front-row view.

“They come up right behind the marina and cascade over the water,” said Judy Walters, secretary of the Port Arthur Yacht Club. “It’s just a beautiful effect.”

In previous years, the Commodore’s July 4th Picnic has been closed to members only.

“This year we voted to have it public,” Walters told city council members this week during the regularly scheduled meeting. “Partly because of COVID, but mostly because before COVID we saw a decline in people coming to the island and we’re just doing whatever we think we can to help bring awareness and promote the island for the citizens of Port Arthur and the surrounding cities.”

Walters said the Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau will be one of the vendors on hand to help promote the island and the city.

Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to watch the light show as it reflects across Sabine Lake.

Last year the public fireworks display was canceled due to the pandemic, so city leaders and those with Lamar State College Port Arthur are ready for the event to return.

“It’s exciting to celebrate the Fourth of July in person, not to mention the fact that we can all gather as a community again,” LSCPA President Dr. Betty Reynard told Port Arthur Newsmedia last week.

For those that opt to watch the show from the mainland, the Carl Parker Multipurpose Center will be open with activities; as well as free corndogs, sausage on a stick, chips and water while supplies last.