Madison’s America 250 events kicks off next week downtown

MADISON – The buildup to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration is here and Madison is doing its part to join the party.

To honor 250 years of the American spirit, Madison is planning for the semiquincentennial celebration with four festive summer events that will be open to all residents. The first will begin next Thursday, June 25, in the historic downtown area.

Festivities will start at 6:45 p.m. with the Children’s Parade at Home Place Park at 100 Shorter St. The parade’s theme is “America’s Birthday Party.”

Organizers encourage parents to help their children to dress in patriotic costumes and as figures of importance from the last 250 years. Children wearing the best costumes will receive prizes.

After the Children’s Parade, the Sounds of Summer Concerts series will feature the band, Bloom After Fall. Madison Arts Alliance coordinates the concerts.

Bloom After Fall hails from Decatur. They “live together under one roof, fully bought into a single goal — making music people truly relate to again.”

Band members mix the atmosphere of vintage sounds with the spice of modern alternative music.

“America 250 Parade: One Nation, Many Stories” – July 2

Next on the schedule, the “America 250 Parade — One Nation, Many Stories” on July 2 at 6 p.m. will proceed south on County Line Road from Heritage Elementary School to James Clemens High School.

The parade’s theme is celebration of unity, history and the American spirit. The route is approximately 1.6 miles.

Civic groups, organizations, elected officials, walking units, marching groups, vehicles, floats and trailers are welcome to register. Current elected officials can participate, but campaigning is prohibited.

Units must submit registration forms by 5 p.m. on June 22. Officials will not accept late registration forms. Mail the completed forms to Madison Independence Day Parade, 1329 Brown’s Ferry Road, Madison, AL 35758.

In addition, units can email forms to SpecialEvents@madisonal. gov, fax forms to 256-772-9377 or deliver the paperwork to the front desk of Madison Community Center at 1329 Brown’s Ferry Road.

“Let Freedom Ring” – July 3

On Fourth of July weekend, two fireworks spectaculars will light the sky. On July 3, Dublin Park will host the “Let Freedom Ring” fireworks show, complete with a patriotic video tribute, vendors and voter registration opportunities.

Bring the whole family out for an evening of Independence Day fun featuring food vendors, live music, inflatables, and a fireworks show to end the night.

All event parking will be at Bob Jones High School, and free shuttle service will be provided to and from Dublin Park throughout the event.

The celebration starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m.

Trash Pandas Fireworks

On the Fourth of July, individuals can attend a Rocket City Trash Pandas baseball game at Toyota Field. After the game, a dazzling fireworks show will serve as the evening’s finale.

The Trash Pandas, will host a game against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on July 4 at 6:35 p.m. You can find more information at www.trashpandasbaseball. com.

For more information about America 250 in Madison, check out www.madisonal. gov/1385/America-250-Years-in-the-Making.