On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence. Every year since, Americans have commemorated the anniversary of the signing as Independence Day.
In 1870, Independence Day was signed into law as a federal holiday. Americans often use the day to celebrate their freedom both privately and publicly with barbecues, picnics, concerts, parades, firework shows and more.
Citizens across the Golden Triangle will also celebrate the holiday this week. So, if you want to celebrate the Fourth of July, what events are going on? And where will there be fireworks?
What’s happening on Thursday?
A new parade celebrating the Fourth of July is coming to downtown Caledonia. Residents Mike and Jackie Savage are organizing the event, which starts at 10:30 a.m.
The parade will be lining up at the Church of Christ of Caledonia parking lot at 10 before rolling down Main Street to Academy Street. Entries of all sizes are welcome, but all vehicles must be decorated patriotically. Registration is not required.
“It’s kind of something that we’ve kind of dreamed about for about 30 years,” Jackie Savage said. “One of the neighborhoods … did one for Memorial Day and it kind of sparked this again.”
A little later in the day, Starkville Parks and Recreation will be celebrating the Fourth of July with two separate events. Moncrief Pool will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free sweet treats at the pool, including popsicles while supplies last.
But when the pool closes, festivities at Cornerstone Park will begin. The park will be filled with food trucks, bounce houses, music by DJ Brice Stubbs, and eventually, fireworks. Activities start at 4 p.m., while the fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to view the fireworks from two of the fields or to tailgate in the parking lot.
Any other events celebrating this week?
On Saturday, there will be firework shows in Macon and New Hope.
In Macon, the Jeffrey Simmons Community Fun Day and Fireworks will be coming to the Noxubee Titans Field at 814 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive Saturday for its second year. The event will include performances by artists Apostle Alex & Revolution, AJ & The Band and Artistik, along with outdoor games, food vendors, inflatables and more.
The day will also include giveaways of jerseys autographed by Jeffrey Simmons and an unveiling of the Noxubee titans Youth Sports Program, catering to youth ages 5-12.
New Hope will also be celebrating independence with a new event on July 6. New Hope Strong President Tony Hannah said the group is hosting a “Peace, Love and Freedom” worship and fireworks event at the New Hope Community Center from 5-9 p.m.
“We just understand that our community is craving family friendly fun, and nobody was really doing a firework show on that Saturday,” Hannah said. “So, we decided, ‘Hey, let’s have a firework show.’ Then … we reached out to the public, and several people in the New Hope community wanted a night of worship.”
The event will include several local church choirs performing, Hannah said, along with a time to appreciate and recognize veterans that are present. There will also be food trucks, vendors, giveaways, bounce houses, inflatables, a dunking booth, a train, and other family friendly activities. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and tents for shade.
What about Fireworks on the Water?
Fireworks on the Water will not be happening in 2024.
Frances Glenn, interim tourism director for the Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the CVB board voted to return to its pre-COVID schedule, alternating the fireworks show and a flyover by the Thunderbirds every year.
This year’s Thunder Over Columbus air show will be Sept. 21-22, and Fireworks on the Water will return in 2025.
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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 39 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
