Community Corner

Happy Fourth of July!

Today is Independence Day! Take time to celebrate our freedoms and have a good time while you're at it.

Today is Independence Day!

However, Independence Day was originally anticipated to be July 2. See this letter by John Adams to his wife, Abagail:

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

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Ah, well. The Declaration of Independence wasn't actually signed until a month after the Fourth of July, but the forefathers wrote that it occurred on July 4. 

What matters is that you have today off to celebrate our freedoms.

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Plenty of people are enjoying the day off and lounging around the pool while someone mans the grill. Kids are playing with sparklers or other fireworks and someone is playing "Summertime" by Fresh Prince.

If you're looking for a place to go for this Fourth of July holiday, check out the list below:

  • Enjoy the coasters and music at Six Flags over Georgia with the family. Then kick back for one of the best fireworks display in the Metro Atlanta area. For more details, click here.
  • Check out the Powder Springs Fourth of July celebration, which begins at 4 p.m. at the city's downtown square. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m.
  • You are invited to attend the American Legion Post 160's Annual Fourth of July bar-b-que. Stop by Post 160 and enjoy the great slow-cooked barbecue, cake raffles, patriotic music, and a whole lot more. Festivities run from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

  • Democracy to some may mean not being compelled to slave over a hot grill. If this is you, come celebrate your freedom from grilling by attending an Independence Day Picnic where others do the work! The Cobb County Democratic Party invites you to the 2011 Annual Herb Butler Independence Day Picnic at Rhyne Park. Let someone else rustle up the burgers, hot dogs, sides, and cold drinks for you as you relax with your family and enjoy the company of other local like-minded citizens. Local Democratic candidates will be present at the event for you to meet and discuss local issues with. The cookout will begin around noon, after the Marietta Freedom Parade at Rhyne Park. Cost is $10 per adult plate of food and $5 for children 12 and under to eat. Please RSVP on the Cobb County Democratic Party Facebook page so that they can estimate the amount of food to bring.

 

  • Stone Mountain Park’s Memorial Lawn: Highway 78 East exit 8. Enjoy fireworks post laser show. The park’s 42nd annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration will be held with the Laser show Spectacular, followed by a fireworks display, as the climactic event each evening. Vehicle entry to the park is $10 for a one-day permit or $35 for an annual permit. The Park’s gates will close when parking capacity is reached. Those who pay the one-day fee must pay again if they leave and re-enter the park. Arrive early and set up a picnic area and have treats such as funnel cakes and dippin’ dots. For more information, call (770) 498-5690 or visit here.

 

  • Atlanta National League Baseball inside Turner Field: Braves vs. Rockies – Independence Day Postgame Fireworks at Turner Field at 7 p.m. Come see the streaking Braves and celebrate the Fourth of July with hot hogs, cold beer, baseball and fireworks following the game.

 

  • Georgia Aquarium at 225 Baker Street. The world’s largest aquarium gets into the mix with a "Red, White and Brew" barbecue and beer fest at 6 p.m. The event takes place on the top level of the parking deck and provides a view of fireworks above Centennial. Atlanta's cover band champions, Yacht Rock Review, will provide dance-worthy tunes. Tickets are $45.

 

  • Peachtree Road Race: One of the city's favorite tradition. About 150,000 spectators are expected to line the sides of Peachtree Road to enjoy the world’s largest 10K. If you’re going to be one of them, Race organizers suggest you need to pick your spot and pick it early. They recommend that spectators find a place where they can obtain refreshments, shade and a good view of the course. To get more details, see here. The race is followed by the Atlanta 4th of July celebration in Centennial Olympic Park with live music and entertainment, followed by the rousing fireworks display.

 

  • Centennial Olympic Park between Baker Street and Techwood Drive from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Park will be the site of Atlanta's daylong Independence Day celebration. Live music and entertainment will start in the afternoon and end with a really big Fireworks Display choreographed to a musical score.

 

  • All-American Celebration at Woodruff Arts Center at 1280 Peachtree Street at 8 p.m. This annual celebration will include patriotic standards, singalong anthems and classical thunder, featuring the U.S. Army Chorus, Rob Fisher, music director of the Tonyhonored Broadway series Encores, and spectacular fireworks.

 

  • Pied Piper Parade, Concert and Fireworks at Downtown Decatur at 6 p.m. Decorate a wagon, ride your bike, skate or walk along with the many participating in the parade that begins at First Baptist Church of Decatur.


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