Dalton officials say the city's annual Fourth of July fireworks show is the largest in northwest Georgia.

DALTON, Ga. — Dalton officials say the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show is the largest in northwest Georgia, and this year’s show promises to be very big indeed.

Members of the City Council voted 4-0 Monday night to approve a $19,000 contract with Pyro Engineering of Bethpage, N.Y., for the Fourth of July fireworks display at Heritage Point Park. Mayor Dennis Mock typically votes only in the event of a tie.

Parks and Recreation Department Director Mike Miller said this year’s show will last approximately 30 minutes and will fire 4,742 separate shells.

Mock said the number of shells won’t be the only big thing about the show.

“I’d say this is probably the biggest gathering of people in the city each year, and I don’t expect it will be any different this year,” he said. “People seem to have a lot of fun.”

Council member Gary Crews said he is proud that the city is known for its annual Independence Day fireworks spectacular.

“This is a Dalton tradition, and for many people it’s a family tradition,” he said. “They get together and come to Heritage Point and watch the show together. Many people can’t get away for vacation that week, so this is something for them to do as a family.”