Dublin hosts July 4th celebration
Jonathan Wyndham from NBC’s “The Voice” will headline entertainment at “Stars and Stripes Forever July 4th Celebration” at Dublin Park. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Madison will celebrate the country’s 239th birthday at “Stars and Stripes Forever July 4th Celebration” at Dublin Park.
“Each year, we strive to build off the previous year’s wildly successful daylong event and create new things for families,” city event and volunteer coordinator Gayle Milam said. “Individuals of all ages (can) spend the holiday with family and friends.”
All activities are free. “What else could you ask for while celebrating America’s birthday?” Milam said.
From 2 to 7 p.m., the inflatable amusements will include the 70-foot 180 Turnaround Obstacle Course, 5-in-1 Moon Bounce/Slide Combo, Flipper Dipper Water Slide, Wacky Maze, 62-foot Slip ‘n Slide and more. Backyard games, like washers, corn hole and ring toss, will be available. The Williams Sisters will offer face painting.
Food trucks and other vendors will sell concessions.
Entertainment headliner will be Jonathan Wyndham from season seven of NBC’s “The Voice.” The singer/songwriter developed a fan following on the vocal talent contest.
“Madison Up, Alex Riley’s new non-profit organization, will provide local entertainment as the folk band Just Gracey (justgracey.com),” Milam said. “Bro. Ric Patton, the Alabama Blues Man, does interactive stunts with kids during his performance (alabamabluesman.com).”
“Courtney and Madison will perform original hip-hop songs,” she said. Deejays Ponytail and Landon Grace of Huntsville Studio (Grace Nole Productions) will keep music spinning.
A fireworks extravaganza by J&M Displays of Yarmouth, Iowa will finalize the day at sundown. J&M also handles fireworks for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
For optimum safety, Kid’s Kingdom will be closed on July 4; no parking will be allowed at Dublin Park. “Shuttle services will begin at 1:45 p.m. at Bob Jones High School and operate continuously through 8:45 p.m.,” Milam said.
Shuttle service will suspend during fireworks. Madison police officers and firefighters and HEMSI will ensure safety.
City of Madison budgets the annual celebration, and Sen. Bill Hotlzclaw secured a tourism grant. Madison Up is sponsoring local entertainment. Daystar Church of Madison is sponsoring backyard games and entertainment stage.
For more information, call 256-772-9300.
