On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, and in 1870, the anniversary of the signing became a federal holiday known as Independence Day.
Each year, Americans celebrate Independence Day through barbecues, fireworks, parades, lakeside activities and more. This year, the Golden Triangle has a Fourth of July weekend packed full of activities for the whole family.
Columbus
The Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau will welcome hundreds of boaters and thousands of community members to this year’s Fireworks on the Water event.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. Friday on the east bank of the Stennis Lock and Dam on Wilkins-Wise Road.
Frances Glenn, tourism director for the CVB, said admission and parking is free, and she hopes to see between 8,000 and 9,000 people come out to enjoy the show.
“It’s going to be fun, lots of energy (and) a great time,” Glenn told The Dispatch.
Glenn said that this year’s entertainment will be scaled back only slightly from previous years.
“We had to cut back on some parts of it, but we have not cut back on the fireworks show,” Glenn said. “It’s going to be 18 minutes of unbelievable fireworks.”
Fireworks will begin at about 8:50 p.m. Ahead of the fireworks show at about 7 p.m., a flyover by the 14th Flying Training Wing, based out of the Columbus Air Force Base, will take place.
The 41st Army Band will provide live entertainment along with local musician Kyia King & Company. Food vendors and complimentary children’s activities including face painting and bounce houses will be available throughout the event.
People are asked to keep their pets at home for the event, but are encouraged to show up early with their coolers and lawn chairs to secure a good viewing spot.
Starkville
Fourth of July celebrations in Starkville will kick off at 5 p.m. at Cornerstone Park at 222 Batters Blvd.
Attendees will enjoy food vendors, bounce houses, balloon animals, face painting and a live performance by the 41st Army Band before fireworks that starts at dusk.
Admission and parking is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs.
Celebrations will continue the following day with a free patriotic concert to be held at the Cross of Christ for Starkville at 1205 Longview Road.
The concert, which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. July 5, will feature the Mississippi-based bluegrass and gospel band Alan Sibley & The Magnolia Ramblers.
Children’s activities will be held prior to the concert’s start, followed by a brief program featuring the pledge of allegiance and singing of the Star Spangled Banner.
Renae Dickerson, a Cross of Christ board of director member, said the event is sure to bring the community together.
“Not everyone has family in Starkville,” Dickerson said in the press release. “So, this is a great way for our community to come together as a family to celebrate the Fourth of July. We are excited about holding a community event where families can come listen to great music, celebrate our country, and let the kids have fun playing games.”
Around the region
In West Point, families are invited to come out to the Clay County Sheriff’s Rodeo on the Fourth of July weekend.
The rodeo, hosted by the National Cowboy Pro Rodeo Association, will begin at 5 p.m. July 4 and 5 at the Cattlemen’s Stockyard, located at 45 Rockin M Drive in West Point. The rodeo will kick off with children’s events at 5 p.m., followed by rodeo events at 7:30 p.m.
Families will enjoy an array of food vendors along with dunk tanks, mechanical bulls, horseshoe toss and pig-chasing. A tug-of-war challenge will have firefighters going head-to-head with law enforcement officers.
“It’s a little bit different than some normal rodeos because we’re really focusing on the kids and community aspect of it,” said Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott. “… A lot of people don’t travel on the fourth, and there’s not as much to do other than find a fireworks show somewhere. This just gives them an opportunity to come out and have some clean family fun (and) let the kids get out and play.”
Scott said, regrettably, that there would not be any fireworks at the rodeo.
“We’d love to, but we’d probably be chasing cows down (Highway) 45,” Scott said.
The event will feature nine rodeo events. Those interested in participating in the rodeo should contact (205) 361-7120 to enter. Scott said anyone available to volunteer for the event should contact him at (662) 295-5441.
Adult tickets cost $10, children’s tickets cost $5 and children aged 5 and younger will be granted free admission. Tickets can be purchased either at the event or ahead of time at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, located at 348 W Broad St. in West Point.
New Hope has combined its Peace, Love and Freedom worship and fireworks event with the New Hope Festival this year for a packed day of family fun to be held July 5 at New Hope High School.
Festivities will begin at 8 a.m. with a 5K and fun run and will close with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. A car show is scheduled from 11 a.m to 4 p.m., and a concert featuring Kenny Gardner, Tonja Rose and David Timms will be held at 5 p.m.
In Macon, the Jeffrey Simmons Community Fun Day will be coming to the Noxubee Titans Field at 814 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive June 5 for its third consecutive year.
This year, attendees will enjoy a carnival experience, complete with rides, games and live entertainment. Headlining the event are performers Arnishia King and The Unit, Swiss and Beezy, Big Yayo and a surprise musical guest.
Gates will open at 3 p.m., and attendees must comply with the event’s clear-bag policy for entry. Admissions for the event is free, though tickets must be purchased on site for carnival rides and games.
In Caledonia, residents Mike and Jackie Savage are organizing a patriotic parade for the second consecutive year.
The parade will be lining up at the Church of Christ of Caledonia parking lot at 9 a.m. before rolling out at 10 a.m. down Main Street to Academy Street. Entries of all sizes are welcome, but all vehicles must be decorated patriotically. Registration is not required.
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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 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
