This year's Fourth of July fireworks show in Mt. Carmel is expected to be the biggest in recent memory.
During Friday's "Ask the Mayor" program on WSJD, Mayor Joe Judge announced that the city has significantly expanded its investment in the annual fireworks display as part of the community's America 250 celebration.
Judge said the city typically spends about $12,500 on the fireworks show each year, but that amount has been increased to $17,500 for 2026. In addition, the city will receive an extra $5,000 worth of fireworks at no cost from its longtime fireworks provider as part of a loyalty incentive program.
As a result, residents can expect a much longer show than usual.
According to Judge, Mt. Carmel's fireworks display normally lasts around 45 minutes. This year, he expects the show to run between an hour and 15 minutes and an hour and 30 minutes, depending on the timing and sequencing of the fireworks.
The expanded display is one of several special events planned as part of Mt. Carmel's Fantastic 4th and America 250 celebration, which features more than a week of activities leading up to Independence Day.
The fireworks show is scheduled for the evening of July 4th and will once again light up the skies over the Wabash River as the community celebrates the nation's 250th birthday.