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This year marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1776. Every year since the signing, Americans have celebrated the anniversary as Independence Day.
But how will the Golden Triangle be celebrating this year? Where will there be fireworks? And what events are going on in the region for those hoping to celebrate?
What is Freedom Fest?
In Columbus, neither Fireworks on the Water nor the Thunder Over Columbus airshow will happen this year. Instead, the Columbus Air Force Base will open its gates to the public for the inaugural Freedom Fest.
The decision to hold Freedom Fest instead of the typical airshow came from issues securing the typical performers. Resources that normally go into the airshow have been reinvested into Freedom Fest.
CAFB gates will open at 2 p.m. Saturday. Live music performances from Seeking Seven, Colin Stough and Cody Riddle start at 3 p.m. At 8 p.m., a 50 year-old time capsule will be opened. The fireworks show will begin at 9:15 p.m. to close out the event.
“(Freedom Fest) has truly been a team effort, and we’re thankful for everyone who has played a part in bringing this celebration to life,” Emily Krawiec, marketing and sponsorship director for the 14th Force Support Squadron at CAFB, wrote in an email to The Dispatch.
Fireworks won’t be the only aerial show on offer. Maj. James Alexander, festival director, said there will be military aircraft fly-bys as well as aircrafts on display.
There will also be a Freedom 250 mobile museum, featuring interactive exhibits on America’s history, and a kids zone, containing a bounce house, inflatable obstacle courses, face painting, rides and a live reptile exhibit.
Visitors will only be allowed to enter the base with clear bags. Folding chairs and blankets are encouraged. While water bottles are allowed onto the base, outside alcohol is not. There will be food trucks and a beer garden at the event.
Where else can I see fireworks?
Starkville’s celebrations will kick off at 6 p.m. Saturday at Cornerstone Park. The celebration will feature food trucks, a DJ, games and a bounce house for kids.
This year’s fireworks show, beginning at 9 p.m., will be a little bigger than last year and will be synced with music played by DJ resCUE, said Greg Owen, general manager for Starkville Parks and Recreation.
“We feel pretty confident that there’s something there for everybody to enjoy,” Owen said. “… There is just so much more excitement about this year because of the (250th anniversary).”
In Caledonia, events kick off at 5 p.m. Friday with a market on Main Street hosted by Caledonia Main Street, which was officially incorporated in September.
Following the market there will be a fireworks show at 9 p.m. at Ola J. Pickett Park. Caledonia Main Street raised $5,000 to put on the display, the first of its kind, as far as President Ashley Chandler can remember. Caledonia Main Street will also be hosting the annual parade beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Chandler said.
For those who want to start celebrating early, Magnolia Motor Speedway is hosting USCS Sprint Car Series and fireworks Thursday night, with grandstands opening at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for grandstand admission are $25 while children 10 and younger are free. Pit admission is priced at $40 for adult tickets and $30 for children.
In Clay County, Sheriff Eddie Scott is hosting the Sheriff’s Rodeo on both Friday and Saturday at the Cattlemen’s Stockyard in West Point. Kid’s events are set from 5-6:30 p.m., with the rodeo kicking off at 7:15. There will be fireworks Saturday after the main event.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 and older. Children 5 and younger are admitted free.
In Macon, the Jeffrey Simmons Fun Day and Fireworks will kick off at 5:30 p.m. at Titans Field, with festivities planned until 11:30 p.m. There will be more than 30 vendors at the event, as well as waterslides, live entertainment and a bounce house for children.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
