AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Bye-bye, fireworks...Hello, laser show

It's no surprise...the use of fireworks for this year's Fourth of July celebration is out of the question. However, there is an alternative. And some people are saying that alternative may be even better than the original plan.

Amarillo National Bank has partnered with The Amarillo Globe News to continue the traditional Fourth of July Celebration. Entertainment will include food vendors, concerts, the opportunity to meet the pilots of Bell Helicopter, a laser show and then a movie for the kids.

Vice President of Amarillo National Bank William Ware says the laser show is definitely something to be anticipated. "Fireworks have been around for thousands of years," he says. "Lasers are something new."

The laser show has been customized for Amarillo and will be synchronized to music from The Amarillo Symphony.

Admission is free to the general public.

The Canyon Chamber of Commerce is also hosting its annual Independence Day Celebration.

The city's population more than doubles this time of year, and Canyon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cheryl Malcolm says the small-town character is what draws people in. Like Amarillo, Canyon is also presenting a laser show in place of fireworks. "I wouldn't be surprised if, down the road, people asked us to have the laser show along with fireworks," she says. "It's definitely something new that everyone including children will love."

The Lions Club is kicking off the celebration with a pancake breakfast, followed by vendors on the square, a parade, concerts at Conner Park and then the laser show and movie for the kids.

Admission to this event is also free.

*Both of these events take place on Monday, July 4.*