Fourth of July celebrations, fireworks shows in the Amarillo area

Fourth of July celebrations are right around the corner, and the Amarillo area will offer plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the holiday weekend with fireworks shows across the region. 

Amarillo Sod Poodles

The Amarillo Sod Poodles will host the Wichita Wind Surge through the weekend and will host postgame fireworks shows from Friday, July 2 to Sunday, July 4. All games are set to start at 7:05 p.m.

Tickets for Sod Poodles game can be bought on their website.

Amarillo Dragway

The Amarillo Dragway will host the Independence Drags event on Friday, July 2, which will feature "fast cars and fireworks." Gates open at 6 p.m. and will continue until 11 p.m.

For more information, visit amarillodragway.com

City of Canyon

The city of Canyon and Canyon Chamber of Commerce will host their Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 3 at the Downtown Canyon Square.

The event will feature food vendors all day, a parade at 10 a.m., live music starting at 6 p.m. and fireworks after dark.

More information can be found at the Canyon's Chamber of Commerce website at www.canyonchamber.org

Fireworks sales

Fireworks sales began Thursday and run through July 4 in Potter and Randall counties and across Texas ahead of the Independence Day holiday.

Within the Amarillo city limits, the "possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. The fire department and police department are each authorized to seize, and destroy the fireworks," according to the city's website. "Potter and Randall County have no ban on fireworks at this time. This does not permit the use of fireworks in the city."

Safety rules

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is not to handle them at all, but to watch a professional fireworks show from a safe distance. However, if you do end up buying some fireworks of your own use, make sure to follow some basic safety rules.

• Read the instructions carefully before using any fireworks and follow them, including how far away to stand when they go off.

• DO NOT aim fireworks at people. Not even the smallest ones.

• If a lit firework seems to be a dud, don’t look into the tube to check.

• Everyone working closely with the fireworks should wear safety goggles.

• Keep young children away from fireworks, and carefully supervise older children using them. This includes firecrackers and sparklers.

• Follow state and local laws regarding which fireworks are permitted.

• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol

• Never light fireworks indoors

• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material

• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting

• Never ignite devices in a container

• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire

Information from: Premier Vision of Amarillo and the National Safety Council