We have been reminding you about Independence Day Celebrations in and around Madison (click here for a quick rundown of those events), but here are some other 4th of July events in north Alabama from our sister-paper, The Decatur Daily.
Break out the patriotic-themed clothing, kick up the volume to John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and get ready for the festivities celebrating America’s 242nd year of independence.
From the fireworks at Spirit of America to the annual water rendezvous on the Elk River, Independence Day festivities will take place across the Tennessee Valley starting Saturday and culminating on July 4.
Spirit of America
When: July 4, noon-9 p.m.
Where: Point Mallard Park
Cost: Free
Best place to watch: For an uninterrupted view of the 15-minute show featuring hearts, stars, smiley faces and geometric patterns, enjoy the show from the Spirit of America field, other open fields at Point Mallard Park or from the waters of Flint Creek and the Tennessee River. If watching from the park, make sure to bring a blanket or chairs.
To know: During the day, the Kiwanis Club of Decatur will host a children’s area with inflatables. An all-day pass to the inflatable playground costs $10 with money raised going to local children’s organizations. Food trucks and arts and craft vendors also will be on site.
Parking is free. After the main parking area is filled, motorists can enter through the Prayer Chapel.
Red, White & Boom: Let Freedom Ring
When: July 4, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Athens High School stadium
Cost: Free
Best place to watch: Central Church of Christ, 320 Old U.S. 31 North; Cultivate Church, 100 U.S. 31 South; Athens Middle School; Athens High School; Athens SportsPlex, 1403 U.S. 31; and Swan Creek Park, 98 U.S. 31. Organizers advised spectators to arrive 30 minutes early in order to find a parking space and to bring a chair or blanket.
To know: The show will be coordinated with music playing on 96.5 FM or 105.1 FM. Cultivate Church will provide spectators with hot dogs, cotton candy and soft drinks. Central Church of Christ will have games, food and drinks for visitors.
Bay Village Fireworks
When: Saturday, sunset
Where: Lucy’s Barge, 6049 Bay Village Drive, Athens.
Cost: Free
To know: The seventh annual Bay Village Fireworks Show in Limestone County will be Saturday at sunset, weather permitting. The 20-minute show will be viewable from Lucy’s Barge, or from a boat on the Tennessee River.
WestFest
When: Sunday, 6-8 p.m.
Where: West Hartselle Baptist, 1640 Main St. West, Hartselle
Cost: Free
To know: Live music, hot air balloon rides, food trucks and a children’s zone will entertain visitors to WestFest on Sunday. The event will culminate with a fireworks show.
Freedom Fest
When: Sunday, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 11450 Alabama 33, Moulton
Cost: Free
To know: Festivities include a BBQ cookoff, homemade ice cream, inflatables and fireworks. To register for the cookoff, visit pgbcmoulton.com.
Fireworks and Music Festival
When: July 4, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Smith Lake Park in Cullman
Cost: Free admission; $5 to use the pool
To know: Spend the day at Smith Lake Park for the Fireworks and Music Festival, which will feature arts and crafts, games, food, a golf cart parade, music and fireworks. The musical lineup includes Bailey Hill at 9:30 a.m., Justin Oliver and Daniel Raine at 11 a.m., Justin and Tab at 12:30 p.m., BREZ Band at 2:30 p.m., Allen Tolbert Unit at 4:30 p.m., Reid Haughton at 7 p.m.
Thunder on the Mountain
When: July 4, 9 p.m.
Where: Birmingham
Cost: Free
Best place to watch: Five Points South, UAB campus, Homewood and Mountain Brook.
To know: The show, which will feature more than 2,500 shells, will be coordinated to music by James Brown, Imagine Dragons and Neil Diamond. The show also will present a special tribute to the World Games 2022. To listen to the music, tune to 102.5 FM, 103.1 FM, 103.7 FM, 104.1 FM, 99.1 FM, 106.5 FM, 105 FM, 96.5 FM, 98.3 FM.
Elk River Boat Party
When: Saturday, 3 p.m.
