Children ages 10 and under are encouraged to dress in red, white and blue to enter the Most Patriotic Boy and Girl contest.Celebrating the birth of the United States will take center stage when the 12th annual Patriotism at The Post celebration is held Tuesday night, July 3, on Barnhardt Circle at the 6th Cavalry Museum in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.
Festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m., but the parking area will open at 5 p.m.
The block party includes Tabernacle Big Band's patriotic concert and sing-along, food, kid's activities, arts and crafts vendors and the naming of the Most Patriotic Boy and Girl. Children ages 10 and younger can compete by arriving dressed in their best patriotic red, white and blue attire. Prizes will be awarded.
A fireworks finale at dark will wrap up the night's fun.
New this year will be chalk-art street painting on Barnhardt Circle.
Zach Herndon and wife Jessi Queen, and guild member Meg Mitchell - co-founders of the Georgia Chalk Artist Guild - will travel from Atlanta to draw original art for display. Fort Oglethorpe residents may remember that Mitchell was the featured artist at the Thriving Community Interactive Art Walk in March at Gilbert-Stephenson Park.
The theme for this chalk art event is "I Love America." Professional and amateur artists, students and community members are encouraged to participate. Community space and chalk will be available. Judging will take place at 8 p.m., with winners announced and awards presented before the fireworks show.
Register online for the chalk art contest at www.gachalkartists.org/event/patriotism-at-the-post/.
Tabernacle Big Band will play its 1940s-era jazz and Glenn Miller-style swing music along with patriotic arrangements. All veterans will be recognized and asked to stand when their military branch's service song is played during "Service Salute."
"The Army Post at Fort Oglethorpe played a huge role in the development of our nation," says Chris McKeever, director of the 6th Cavalry Museum and member of the Fort Oglethorpe Tourism Association. "What better place to celebrate our nation's birth than here on the polo field with great music, family fun and fireworks?"
Patriotism at The Post is free to attend, but there is a $5 per car parking fee. Concessions and cold drinks will be for sale. Apex Inflatables will have bounce houses for kids to enjoy for a nominal charge. CHI Memorial is providing shuttle service for those who need help getting onto the polo field.
For more information: fortotourism.org or 706-861-2860.