Where to watch Thunder on the Mountain

For decades, July 4th has been a unifying day for the different neighborhoods and suburbs that make up the greater Birmingham metropolitan area.

From Railroad Park to Shades Mountain, tens of thousands of people are expected to set up chairs, pull over on the side of the road and hold parties to view Thunder on the Mountain, the biggest bangs Vulcan Park & Museum has to offer.

Because the show is a major Birmingham tradition, and Iron City Ink and its sister publications from Starnes Publishing asked readers to submit their favorite spots to see the show. Readers from around the area chimed in, with suggestions ranging from as close as Valley Avenue — where the fireworks will light up the sky directly over head — to Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, which will provide a view from above.

Check out the map below to see where readers suggested their picks for best place to watch:

To listen to the patriotic-themed music selections the Thunder on the Mountain fireworks will be choreographed to, tune in to 98.7 Today's Kiss, 104.7 Birmingham's WZZK, 95.7 Jamz, 106.9 Birmingham's Eagle, 97.3 Play, WAGG 610 AM Birmingham's Gospel Concert Connection and Birmingham Mountain Radio, and La Jefa Alabama. To view the show on TV, tune in to WBRC Fox 6. [For more information from Vulcan Park & Museum, visit their website here.]

And while humans may enjoy the firework festivities, four-legged friends aren't always as enthusiastic. According to the ASPCA, more pets go missing on July 4th than any other day of the year due to being frightened by fireworks. Greater Birmingham Humane Society suggested not only keeping pets safe inside, but also putting on music or television to drown out the noise or providing pet-safe, natural calming aids.