WIGGINS, Miss. (WLOX) — Thousands of families are expected at Flint Creek this Fourth of July weekend, filling the park for fireworks, fun on the water and freedom.
RELATED: Flint Creek to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, food trucks and America 250 events
Cleanup clears the way for holiday crowds
Flooding left much of Flint Creek underwater before the holiday weekend, requiring park crews to complete extensive cleanup to reopen.
Danny Box, executive director of the Pat Harrison Waterway District, said staff was prepared for the challenge.
“We saw what we had to deal with and we knew we were fully capable of handling that,” Box said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Park Manager Michael Clark said the turnout made the effort worthwhile.
“Seeing the people show up and being able to enjoy the great outdoors we have here and enjoy the fireworks show and the water park, the food trucks and everything, it just does my heart good to see people coming out,” Clark said.
Families return for a holiday tradition
Among those arriving early were Ashten and Lacey Cooley, who drove in from Saucier and described Flint Creek as a family tradition.
“Every local area has their own spot, so Flint Creek is our home, is what it feels like,” Ashten Cooley said.
Lacey Cooley said the trip carries added meaning this year. In addition to the Fourth of July, she is celebrating a birthday and a gender reveal, making it a triple celebration for the family.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Bringing in another baby is just a part of our little dream, you know, having a family and living traditionally and just being who we are,” Lacey Cooley said.
Ashten Cooley said the holiday gathering reflects the family’s close bonds.
“We’re very close and tight-knit, and that’s rare to see in a lot of families, and we take pride that we’re all so close; we get along, and it means a lot to me,” he said.
See a spelling or grammar error in this story? Report it to our team HERE.
Copyright 2026 WLOX. All rights reserved.