Fourth of July fireworks will return to Covington for the first time in three years, as the Covington City Council on Monday unanimously approved spending $6,000 for a celebration.

Covington will hold its celebration on Sunday, July 3. Porterdale has already scheduled its celebration and fireworks display for July 4. Oxford will kick off the weekend of festivities with its annual parade on July 2.

Mayor Kim Carter said she hoped fireworks would be set off from the top level of the First Baptist Church's parking garage.

Covington's celebration will cost $12,000, which will pay for a fireworks display and musical entertainment.

Main Street Covington will pay the additional $6,000, and Carter said Thursday that Main Street would pay for its share with hotel-motel tax revenue.

Last year Covington had a musical concert during the Fourth of July weekend. Councilman Mike Whatley said the city will present more musical acts this year.

City Manager Steve Horton and some council members said they had received criticism from residents during the past two years when the city chose not to fund fireworks displays.

Historically, the city and county had split the cost. The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted not to fund their half in 2009 because of a budget crunch, and did not express interest in spending money on a celebration in 2010. The county will not be asked for funding this year.