The city of Rincon is making preparations for what has become its annual laser light show — and its first fireworks show.

The city’s Freedom Rings celebration will be held Friday from 6-10 p.m. at Freedom Park, adjacent to Lowe’s.

“Everything is ready to go with the laser light show and the fireworks show,” said city planner Lameisha Kelly. “We are expecting a capacity crowd.”

No fireworks show in conjunction with Independence Day has been held in Effingham County since 2012. This will be the third year Rincon has had a laser light show. This year, the laser show will start at approximately 9:15 p.m., with the fireworks to follow.

“It’s been a number of years since we’ve had fireworks in the county,” said Rincon Mayor Ken Lee. “The laser show has been a big hit. It’s been different and unique. It’s been successful.”

City council members approved a contract last month to add fireworks to their show, agreeing with Effingham County-based Falcon Fireworks to provide the pyrotechnics.

“Everyone likes to hear the boom and see the flash,” Lee said. “Nothing excites adults and children like fireworks. The event has been so successful and we had such a favorable response from the laser show, we wanted to make it a little better.”

Kelly said the city had 30 vendors lined up as of Monday, with another three applications pending. She said the city will cut off applications for vendors Thursday.

Because the city is expecting such a large crowd, Kelly said there will be designated parking for council members and vendors.

Kelly said the event usually begins with the playing of “The Star-Spangle Banner.” She said the city got a complaint last year that the national anthem wasn’t played during the event.

“But we really did,” she said, adding it was played at the beginning and not later during the show.

There are approximately 850 spaces for parking at Freedom Park, so some attendees may decide to park elsewhere and walk, Kelly pointed out. To make the trek on foot safer, the city will close the outer lanes on Highway 21 from the Fort Howard Road area to Towne Park East Drive.

The city won’t be conducting a parade this year as part of Freedom Rings. Kelly said the city may bring back the parade next year.