Paulding County’s ninth annual July concert in the park and subsequent fireworks display is Saturday, and a large crowd is expected.

The annual fireworks show is scheduled the first Saturday in July after Independence Day and is not really a Fourth of July display, says Parks & Recreation Director Michael Justus, whose department stages the event.

“We do it the Saturday following the Fourth for economic reasons” because a display on July 4 would cost twice as much, he said. “We tie it into the concert in the park.”

Local band Timeless Highway, featuring Kenda Johnson, Randy McDonald, Johnny Basler, Tommy Dodd, Joe Melton and Tim Thurmond, will perform beginning at 7 p.m. Timeless Highway brings a diverse repertoire to a variety of venues, including private parties, corporate events, TV and radio promotions and fund-raisers for American Red Cross, the American Heart Association and other organizations.

The fireworks show begins around 9:30 p.m.

“Come early if you want a space to park inside the park,” Justus advises, asking the public to park in designated areas and not on neighbors’ lawns. People typically begin arriving at 5:30 or 6 p.m., he said, “and expect traffic on Pine Valley, Williams Lake and other roads.”

The event is free, and the public is welcome to bring picnic dinners and lawn chairs or blankets. Alcohol is prohibited in the park. Limited concessions will be available.

“Normally, we have 8,000 to 10,000 people,” said Justus, “and we expect that number again. A lot of folks are looking for something to do close to home.”