Preview: Thunder Over Evans, rain or shine!
EVANS, Ga. (WJBF) – It’s back! The annual Thunder Over Evans is Saturday, and organizers tell us it’s going to be better than ever.
Antebellum Way is already closed. Evans Towne Center Boulevard to Ronald Reagan Drive will close on Saturday at 6 a.m. Both will re-open at midnight on Sunday.
On Saturday, Evans Towne Center Park will be filled with people watching the largest privately funded military celebration in the U.S.
This event started in 2008 as a way to honor service members of all branches for Armed Forces Day.
This year, there will be a special tribute for women veterans.
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“We’re going to celebrate the era of women,” said organizer Don Clark. “Without their service, without their sacrifice, their collectiveness, their individual contributions, we wouldn’t have the service that we have today.”
Once again they’re planning a huge fireworks and drone display complete with fireballs.
“Which of course is the most intense fireworks show in the southeast,” said organizer Shane Thompson.
The fireworks start at 9:15, so if you have an aversion to them or loud noises, you can still come out and enjoy the event before then.
They’ll also have food vendors, live music, and more.
Organizers were concerned about the weather earlier in the week, but said the show must go on.
They’re prepared to make adjustments if there is severe weather.
“Our teams are taking all the precautions they can to safeguard all of the equipment, safeguard fireworks and everything to still make sure it’s a very safe event,” Clark said.
The expected turnout is 13,000 to 15,000 people.
“They’re so excited about it, that when they come back they want to bring somebody to experience what they experienced last year,” Thompson said. “So all I’ll say is that they’re gonna get every bit of that and a little more.”
“This community, oh my God, they come out here in large numbers to celebrate all of us for our military service. That is an amazing thing,” Clark said.
The free event is rain or shine and starts at 6 p.m. and goes to 11 p.m.
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