America’s Semiquincentennial is 250 reasons to celebrate
It was on July 4, 1776, that the Declaration of Independence was adopted. This year across the country, cities and communities have big plans in the works to celebrate this milestone. In Philadelphia, concerts and fireworks are planned. In Los Angeles, America’s Block Party will be a highlight. In Washington, D.C., the Great American State Fair is scheduled, and in New York City, an international flotilla of tall ships and naval vessels will be arriving.
Local municipalities and community groups are planning to celebrate in style this Independence Day. Here’s a roundup of 4th of July celebrations:
Chamblee
Grammy Award winning artist Robin Thicke is set to headline the concert at Chamblee’s Independence Day celebration on July 4. The concert is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks shooting off at approximately 9 p.m. This free event takes place in front of Chamblee City Hall, 3518 Broad Street.
Decatur
Fourth of July in Decatur kicks off with the annual Pied Piper Parade at 4 p.m., stepping off at First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. and ending at the Decatur Square. It is described as a “lively, hometown-style Fourth of July,” that winds through downtown with decorated floats, wagons, and bicycles. Wasted Potential and Weapons of Brass Destruction are expected to play in the parade along with stilt walkers and jugglers. Live music from G Clef & The Playlist is scheduled for 7 p.m. followed by fireworks at dark.
Dunwoody
In Dunwoody multiple celebrations are planned during the week of 4th of July. On July 1, Dunwoody Parks and Recreation will host Dunwoody Gives for America 250, a community blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m. at 4470 N. Shallowford Road. Donors are encouraged to register in advance at dunwoodyga.gov (search events calendar).
On July 2 at Brook Run Park, a Blue Star Marker will be unveiled at the Memorial Plaza at 5:30 p.m. Donated by the Dunwoody Garden Club, the marker honors the men and women who have served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces.
A free America 250 Concert by the Callanwolde Concert Band at the park’s amphitheater at 7 p.m. follows the dedication.
On July 3, residents are invited to the Donaldson-Bannister Farm for a Star-Spangled Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosted by Dunwoody Preservation Trust. At 11 a.m., James “Trae” Welborn III, associate professor of history at Georgia College and State University, will present “Red, White, and ‘Cue: Georgia History Through Barbecue.” A blood drive also will be held. Donors are encouraged to register in advance at lifesouth.org.
The week culminates with the 50th anniversary of the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade. The parade begins at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Road and Jett Ferry Road and follows a 2.7-mile route through Dunwoody Village with festive floats, marching bands, dancers, vintage cars, and community leaders. A festival in the Dunwoody Village parking lot follows with food, booths, music, and parade awards.
Throughout the week, Create Dunwoody will lead the America 250 Community Puzzle Project with puzzles available at local restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, businesses, and community spaces with a goal of connecting and celebrating community together.
Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Park continues its long tradition of holding a multi-day Fantastic Fourth Celebration. This year, the event runs July 1-6 with a new 250th Drone and Light Show followed by patriotic fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. The park’s other attractions are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets for the drone and light show start at $5. A daily parking pass is $20. For more information, go to stonemountainpark.com and search for Fantastic Fourth Celebration.
Tucker
On July 3, Main Street in Tucker is the site for the city’s annual Celebration of Independence and Fireworks Spectacular as the city “proudly marks the 250th anniversary of Independence Day in the United States. The fun kicks off at 6 p.m. and continues until the barricades come down at 11 p.m.” Live music, beats from DJ Fernando, a kids’ zone with free bounce houses, face painting, and carnival games, plus food trucks opening at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks lighting up the sky expected to begin at 9:15 p.m.
Atlanta
Another way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary is joining the festivities at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Come learn about our nation’s 39th president, and the only president to be from Georgia. We will have kids activities and crafts, cupcakes, festive decorations and giveaways,” states the event’s website. Author Denise Kiernan will discuss her book, Obstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution. Admission to the museum and all activities for the day will be free and open to the public. The library and museum are located at 441 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE, Atlanta.
