Southwest Atlanta Celebrates July 4th with Fireworks, Picnics and Parades

Friends and family, strangers and neighbors, individuals and couples will gather as bands march, flags are waived and a flood of fireworks mask the sky on the 235^th Anniversary of America’s Independence Day.

Also known as the Fourth of July, Independence Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83).

 In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain.

 On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

Still, perhaps the true meaning of July 4^th was best penned by John Adams in a letter to his wife, Abigail on July 3, 1776:

“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, 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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.” (The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard University Press, 1975, 142).

From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with fireworks, parades and concerts to casual family gatherings and barbecues.

In the spirit of a long-held tradition, here are some conventional activities happening in and around the greater Cascade community, from huge fireworks display to small town picnics and parades.

• Stone Mountain Park’s Memorial Lawn:  Highway 78 East exit 8 from July 2 through July 4. Enjoy fireworks post laser show. The park’s 42nd annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration will be held July 3-5 this year 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 on July 4 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 www.stonemountainpark.com.  

• Atlanta National League Baseball  inside Turner Field at 755 Hank Aaron Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30315:  Braves vs. Rockies – Independence Day Postgame Fireworks at Turner Field on Jul 4 at 7 p.m. Come see the #1 rated entertainment experience in the Southeast. Celebrate the Fourth of July with hot hogs, cold beer, baseball and fireworks following the game.

• Georgia Aquarium at 225 Baker St. on July 4 at 6 p.m.: The world’s largest aquarium gets into the mix with a "Red, White and Brew" barbecue and beer fest. 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, go to: http://www.peachtreeroadrace.org/event-information/spectator-information. 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 St. on July 4 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.