FLINT, MI -- It will be almost twice as many fireworks as Flint is used to.

"We got 1,200 extra (firework shells), so it's going to be the biggest show we've had in years," said Gerard Burnash, executive director of Flint's Downtown Development Authority, which puts on the firework show.

In fact, it will be almost double the size of previous shows. That doesn't mean it will be longer -- it will still be about 25 minutes -- but it will be more intense, Burnash said.

The show is scheduled for July 3 around 10 p.m. By choosing that date instead of July 4, the DDA is hoping more people will have a chance to see the show, rather than take off for the long weekend. The city has had fireworks on dates other than July 4 in prior years.

"I think the finale's going to be incredible," Burnash said.

As usual, the fireworks will take off from the Chevy in the Hole site just West of downtown near Kettering University.

Burnash said spectators should be able to see the firework show from always anywhere in the area.

There will also be a downtown carnival this year.

A group of Flint Northwestern High School alumni are bringing a carnival to Flint's downtown flat lot July 3-5.

"We're trying to give back to the community," said organizer Van Pollard.

The festivities will feature carnival rides, games and concessions. There will be no admission charge but tickets for rides will be sold. The proceeds will go toward scholarships for Flint Northwestern alumni.

Blake Thorne is a reporter for MLive-The Flint Journal. Contact him at bthorne1@mlive.com or 810-347-8194. Follow him on Twitter or Facebook.