The first fireworks display of the holiday season will be tonight in Cranberry Township, near the mall.

Fourth of July fun will begin with a bang today as area residents prepare to be dazzled by local firework displays.

Spectators will provide choruses of oohs and aahs while the night sky explodes with colors in virtually every direction in the coming days.

The fireworks will begin today in Cranberry Township during the second annual Cranberry Fireworks Spectacular.

Cranberry residents and firework enthusiasts alike will be treated to an expanded show as the spectacular has grown since its inaugural year.

The budget has grown 33 percent due to contributions by local merchants after a large turnout in 2007, according to the event's steering committee.

The display will also benefit from a change in location.

Last year, several spectators indicated they were not able to see the lower part of the display, the steering committee said.

The group received permission this year to move the show to higher ground. Fireworks will be launched from the hillside behind the Cranberry Mall.

Viewing sites are available throughout the routes 322 and 257 corridors, and including store and mall parking lots as well as open fields.

Like last year, the event will tap one local resident to push the plunger, kicking off the display. Residents can submit their names at registration areas set up at local businesses - many of which are offering free promotions throughout the day.

A drawing will be held at 5 p.m. to determine the winner.

Firework displays will continue throughout the area Thursday and Friday.

Displays Thursday will help bring the second annual Clarion SummerFest to a close at dusk and will end Oil City's Jolly July Third celebration at 10 p.m.

Franklin will celebrate the Fourth of July at dusk Friday with its Thunder over Franklin display. Marienville will close a day of celebrations with fireworks at 10 p.m. Friday.

While these shows will satisfy many, other area residents will rush to stores and firework stands to add to the festivities.

However, fireworks can be dangerous when not in the hands of professionals, said Oil City fire chief Steve Hinds.

"Go watch the show put on by professionals," Hinds said. "You're not risking anything by doing that."

He added that those who do choose to use fireworks should follow the manufactures instructions. He also said that children should always be supervised and that fireworks should be never be used within 25 feet of a home.

"You might know what (fireworks) are supposed to do, but you don't know what they will do," Hinds said.

In addition to being dangerous, many fireworks are illegal in Pennsylvania, Hinds said. He said small fireworks such as sparklers, snakes and smoke bombs are acceptable.

"If you want to see fireworks, you are going to have a lot to see," Hinds said. "Go enjoy a show put on by professionals."