Fireworks,
barbecue and live entertainment top the list of festivities at July 4th
holiday celebrations across Alabama this summer season. Visitors can choose
from more than 30 family-friendly events.
The
celebrations include traditions like Thunder on the Mountain in Birmingham,
fireworks at the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship in Mobile, the July 4th
celebration at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville and
Independence Day at American Village in Montevallo. Other events include
cardboard boat races in Prattville, all-you-can-eat watermelon at the
Watermelon Festival in Grand Bay, fireworks on the beach in Gulf Shores and a
boat parade on Lake Wedowee. Nationally known musicians will perform at the
Shoals Spirit of Freedom in Florence and families can enjoy all-day
entertainment on Smith Lake in Cullman.
The Alabama
Tourism Department has compiled the following list of July 4th
celebrations across the state.
10th
Annual 4th of July Blast: (Alexander City) July 4
Alexander
City celebrates at the Lake Martin Amphitheater (The AMP) with live music and
one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southeast. Gates open at 5 p.m.
with music from 6-9 p.m. fireworks from 9-9:45 p.m. 256.329.0835, www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com.
Athens
Fireworks Show: (Athens) June 30 – July 7
Families can
enjoy a week of celebrations in Athens beginning with the fireworks show on
June 30th to movies and the reading of the Declaration of
Independence. 256.232.5411, www.visitathensal.com
Auburn
4th of July Celebration: (Auburn) July 4
The City of
Auburn July 4th celebration includes food, live music and fireworks
at Duck Samford Park. Gates open at 6 p.m., entertainment begins at 7 p.m.
followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. 334.887.8747, www.auburnalabama.org.
Thunder
on the Mountain: (Birmingham) July 4
Birmingham's
traditional fireworks display takes place atop Red Mountain at Vulcan Park and
Museum. Fireworks will illuminate the skies above Birmingham beginning at 9
p.m. 205.933.1409, www.visitvulcan.com.
The
Big Kaboom Fireworks Celebration: (Chelsea) July 3
The event
features fireworks, entertainment and other activities. 9 p.m., 205.669.9075, www.cityofchelsea.com.
Cherokee
Independence Day Celebration: (Cherokee) June 30
Families can
enjoy food, arts and crafts, street dancing, music and fireworks. Noon-until.
256.577.0994, 256.383.0783, www.colbertcountytourism.org.
Smith
Lake Independence Day Festival: (Cullman) July 4
The
celebration takes place at Smith Lake Park with all-day entertainment. Some of
the festivities include putt-putt golf, a water slide, arts and crafts and a
fireworks show on the water. 256.734.0454, www.cullmancountyparks.com.
Daphne
Jubilee Independence Day Fireworks Display: (Daphne) July 4
Fireworks
will light up the skies above Daphne on Mobile Bay at the Trione Sports Park.
Lawn chairs or blankets are suggested. 251.621.8222, www.daphneal.com.
46th
Annual Spirit of America Festival: (Decatur-Point Mallard Park) July 3-4
Families can
celebrate the 4th at the area's largest free patriotic festival
featuring awards, the Miss Point Mallard Pageant, children's activities area,
musical entertainment and a large fireworks show. Fireworks July 4 at 10 p.m.
800.524.6181, www.spiritofamericafestival.com
Freedom
on the River: (Demopolis) July 4
Kids will
enjoy a patriotic parade, food vendors and fireworks, all on the banks of the
Tombigbee River at the City Landing. 6-10 p.m. www.demopolischamber.com,
334.289.0270.
Family
4th Celebration: (Dothan) July 4
Dothan
celebrates the 4th at the Amphitheatre at Center Stage. Gates open
at 2 p.m. with bands performing all day. Some of the acts featured include Los Locos, Southern Chain Gang and
The Eastwood Drive Band. Nationally
acclaimed recording artists and country music legends, Shenandoah will then take
the stage for a 90-minute concert beginning at 7:30. 334.699.1475, www.Family4thCelebration.com.
Shoals
Spirit of Freedom Celebration: (Florence) July 4
Nationally-known
musicians will perform all day at McFarland Park. The celebration includes
food, fun, activities and more, followed by a large fireworks show. 10:00
a.m.-10 p.m., 256.740.4141, www.VisitFlorenceAL.com.
Freedom
Fest 2012: (Fort Rucker) July 3
Freedom Fest
takes place at Fort Rucker's Festival Fields on July 3rd from 3:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Enjoy a day of food, activities, exhibits, and fun, culminating in one of the
area's largest fireworks shows. Enjoy aircraft displays, a kid's zone with
inflatables, food and merchandise vendors. The 98th Army Silver Wings Band
will kick off the evening's musical festivities, followed by rising country
music star Natalie Stovall. Headlining the evening event is Gary Sinise
and the Lt. Dan Band. This event is free and open to the public.
334.255.1749.
Patriot's
Association Independence Day Celebration: (Gadsden) July 4
Gadsden's
celebrations takes place downtown on the banks of the Coosa River beginning at
9 p.m. 256.467.6360
Grand
Bay Watermelon Festival: (Grand Bay) July 4
The day of
family-fun begins at 8 a.m. with all-you-can-eat watermelon, entertainment,
arts and crafts and children's activities. 251.367.8646, www.grandbaywatermelonfestival.com
Independence
Day Celebration: (Grant) July 4
The
Independence Day celebration takes place in Grant Town Park and will include
music, crafts, food and fireworks. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 256.728.3250, www.grantchamberofcommerce.com
Celebrate
America: (Greenville) July 4
A free event
hosted by the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce at Greenville High School's
Tiger Stadium includes fireworks, free watermelon and drinks. Gates Open at
7:30 p.m. Patriotic Program narrated by the Butler County Ministerial Association
at 8:00 p.m. and a spectacular fireworks at 9 p.m. 334.382.3251, www.greenville-alabama.com.
Gulf
Shores Independence Day (Gulf Shores Main Beach) July 4
Families can
celebrate our nation's birthday with fireworks on the beach. Festivities begin
at 9 p.m. and are visible on any area of Gulf Shores beach. Tune radios to
105.7 to hear patriotic music during the show. 2512.968.1172, www.gulfshoresal.gov
An
All-American Celebration: (Lake Guntersville) July 4
Enjoy
fireworks over Lake Guntersville beginning at 9 p.m. Bring your chair or
blanket. 256.582.3612.
Sand
Mountain Potato Festival: (Henager) July 4
Celebrate Sand
Mountain's agricultural heritage and the 4th of July with live
music, games, arts and crafts, and fireworks. Families are encouraged to bring
lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the fireworks. 10 a.m.-until 888.805.4740, www.discoverlookoutmountain.com.
U.S.
Space & Rocket Center July 4th Fireworks Celebration:
(Huntsville) July 4
Huntsville
celebrates Independence in style with fireworks over the Saturn V
Rocket. The event is 6-10 p.m. It includes a kid's zone, music, the 274th
Army Material Command Band and others. It's a family-friendly event and
cost $20.00 per vehicle. Fireworks will fly over the Saturn V Rocket at
approximately 9 p.m. There is a limited number of passes available and reservations
must be made online prior to the event. www.rocketcenter.com.
July
4th Fireworks Display: (Luverne) July 4
The city of
Luverne and Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce hosts fireworks at Turner Park
beginning at 8:30 p.m.334.335.4468, www.crenshawcounty.net.
USS
Alabama Fireworks Show: (Mobile) July 4
Annual
fireworks display at 9 p.m. at the USS Alabama Battleship Park preceded by
performance of the Mobile Pops Orchestra at 7 p.m. 251.470-7730, www.cityofmobile.org.
Independence
Day at American Village: (Montevallo) July 4
Families will
enjoy a patriotic daylong celebration honoring veterans and celebrating
America's independence in the style of 1776. Activities include music, food,
children's activities and the evening concludes with a fireworks show. Admission
charged. 205.665.3535, www.americanvillage.org.
4th
of July Celebration: (Montgomery) July 4
Join the city
of Montgomery and WSFA 12 as they present this year's 4th of July
Celebration at the Riverwalk Amphitheatre featuring music by Blackberry Smoke.
Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. and musical performances include the Spike Graham
Band at 7 p.m. followed by Blackberry Smoke at 8 p.m. Fireworks immediately
follow the Biscuits baseball game. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day
of the show. 334.625.2100, www.funontheriver.net.
Independence
Day at Old Alabama Town: (Montgomery) July 4
Families can
spend the holiday learning how early Alabamians lived and worked. Self-guided
tours 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission charged. 888.240.1850, www.oldalabamatown.com.
7th
Annual "4th at the Wharf": (Orange Beach) July 4
See a
spectacular fireworks extravaganza at the Wharf to include live entertainment,
patriotic music and dedications. 7 p.m.-midnight. Admission charged.
251.224.1012. www.ALWharf.com.
Celebration
at Perdido Beach Resort: (Perdido Beach) July 6
The Perdido
Beach Resort is hosting a holiday extravaganza featuring BBQ, live music on the
beach deck and fireworks. 800.634.8001, www.perdidobeachresort.com
4th
of July at the Grand Hotel: (Point Clear) July 4-8
Enjoy games,
art, the pool and the spa before the fireworks light up the skies above the
Grand in Point Clear. 251.928.9201, www.marriottgrand.com.
Independence
Day Celebration: (Prattville) July 4
A parade begins
downtown at 9 a.m. followed by a BBQ & stew sale at Pratt Park at 10 a.m.
Cardboard boat races take place at the city pool at 10 a.m. and the fireworks
get underway at dark. Gates open at 6 p.m. with live entertainment and food
vendors. 334.358.0297, www.prattvilleal.gov
4th
of July on the Tennessee River: (Scottsboro) July 4
Bring the
blankets and lawn chairs for music, entertainment, boat parade, food, and
fireworks show at the Goose Pond Amphitheater. 800.268.2884, www.jacksoncountychamber.com.
4th
of July Walking Parade: (Sheffield) July 4
The entire
family will enjoy an old-fashioned walking parade featuring everything from
baby carriages to wagons. 10 a.m., 256.381.3907, 256.383.0783, www.visitSheffieldAL.com.
Trussville
Freedom Celebration: (Trussville) July 4
Trussville
will celebrate the 4th of July with music, food and a fireworks
spectacular at dusk. The Freedom Celebration starts at 6 p.m. on The
Mall. The Band, "Act of Congress," will perform at 8 p.m. Enjoy a great
time with free rides and inflatables for kids of all ages. www.trussvillefreedomcelebration.com.
July
Jubilee: (Tuscaloosa) July 4-5
The
celebration in downtown Tuscaloosa includes live entertainment, food vendors and
an evening fireworks display. 205.391.9200.
4th
of July Boat Parade: (Wedowee) July 4
Visitors will
see boats and personal watercrafts on Lake Wedowee decorated with a patriotic
theme. Parade begins 10 a.m. 256.276.7959, www.lakewedoweelife.com.
4th
of July Celebration: (Wetumpka) July 4
Enjoy a
street dance, children's activities, live music and fireworks in downtown
Wetumpka. 5 p.m.-until, 334.567.5147, www.cityofWetumpka.com.
