SPANISH FORT, Ala.—The operators of Battleship Memorial Park don’t want the dangerously dry conditions to put an ironic damper on anyone’s Fourth of July plans.

The military history museum on the Causeway will host its annual Independence Day Celebration July 4, complete with live music and a fireworks display over Mobile Bay.

Executive Director Bill Tunnell said the park will operate during the normal business hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and the holiday festivities will begin officially at 7 p.m. with a concert by the Mobile Symphonic Pops. The fireworks display, sponsored by the city of Mobile, begins at 9 p.m.

"With the Fourth falling on a Monday this year, we’re looking for a really good turnout," Tunnell said, encouraging residents and visitors alike to enjoy the park’s attractions, sprawling field with concessions, "good music, good fun and good fireworks."

Park admission prices will still apply during regular business hours, and parking increases from $2 to $5 after 5 p.m.

On June 20, the Spanish Fort City Council voted unanimously to adopt a temporary ordinance prohibiting the discharge of fireworks within the city’s corporate limits.

Council members cited drought conditions within the city that require measures be taken to "reduce the threat of uncontrolled fire."

Specifically, the ordinance bans until further notice the shooting, discharging, exploding or otherwise deployment of "any fireworks or cannons, including but not limited to, firecrackers, sparklers, Roman candles and rockets."

Fines will be levied against violators, but the ordinance should in no way be interpreted to prohibit the sale of fireworks within the corporate limits, Mayor Joe Bonner said.