Buccaneer State Park prepares for America 250 celebration

WAVELAND, Miss. (WXXV) – Millions across the nation are preparing to celebrate America’s 250th birthday this weekend, including several places along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Buccaneer state park in Waveland is one of seven state parks in Mississippi hosting a 4th of July event.

“This event has been in the works for well over a year at this point. It has taken everything from our executives to our event leads, park managers, and park staff. I mean, everybody has been a part of making sure that this could work. It has changed a million times. We have perfected it a million times, so we’re ready for it at this point,” said Adrienne Wilson, assistant park manager.

The state park is celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic poolside party. It’s two days of water park fun and live entertainment.

“Saturday is going to have all the same fun as Friday. It’s going to have all the food trucks and the vendors and activities for the kids. We’re still going to have the giveaways. We’re going to extend our hours from 6pm until 8pm so you’ll get two more hours in the pool that day, as well as we will have a flag ceremony going on at 5pm to celebrate America’s 250th celebration on the 4th of July,” said Wilson.

Wilson says event organizers are expecting quite the crowd over the weekend. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks says all but one of its seven showcase parks are at 100% occupancy.

“I’d recommend getting here early, so that way you can get your pick of your spot for the day next to the pool, and I would recommend bringing your towels, your inner tubes, your sunscreen. It’s going to be a hot weekend,” she said.

With seven state parks hosting events, each place will offer a unique experience and give visitors the freedom to choose how they celebrate America 250.

“Personally, I can’t think of a better way to spend the 4th of July than in the pool, right next to the gulf. I mean, everything about it screams 4th of July, so next to the pool is where I’d be, and so we’re hoping that everybody comes out here,” said Wilson.

For more information on the celebrations happening at Mississippi’s state parks, click here.