The July fourth holiday means fireworks and big crowds for professional baseball teams in Iowa and fans will have a number of chances to catch and game and celebrate Independence Day. The Sioux City Explorers will offer fans two chances to watch fireworks after American Association games against St. Paul on Friday and Saturday night.

Explorers general manager Shane Tritz says the fireworks have become an annual part of the celebration in the Siouxland area. He says they requested to be home on the 3rd and 4th as it’s a tradition they want to continue.

Tritz says The two nights will feature the biggest crowds of the season as they sell out for the 4th. He says some teams don’t want to be in town for the 4th as their town has a fireworks display that could trump the one at the ballpark. So, he says some teams want the date, others don’t.

The Burlington Bees will offer a fireworks display after Saturday night’s game against Wisconsin. Bees general manager Chuck Brockett who says the Midwest League tries to ensure that every team gets either the third or fourth for a home game as they can get big crowds.

Brockett says it’s important to have the 3rd or 4th as crowds have not been good on the 5th. Brockett says the Bees will offer just one of several fireworks displays in the area.

The Quad Cities River Bandits will have a fireworks display after tonight’s game against Burlington. The Clinton Lumberkings will offer fireworks after tomorrow night’s doubleheader against Kane County. Fans are invited to remain in the stadium after the Cedar Rapids Kernels take on the River Bandits on Saturday night to watch the fireworks offered by the city.

The Iowa Cubs close out a brief homestand this evening against Oklahoma City and will have fireworks for the second straight night.