Small-town fun on the Fourth of July

The Seed & Feed Marching Abominables from Atlanta are a street marching band founded in 1974 who entertain at festivals at home and on the road. They'll be marching in Blue Ridge, Georgia, on Saturday, June 30. (Facebook.com Photo)
The Seed & Feed Marching Abominables from Atlanta are a street marching band founded in 1974 who entertain at festivals at home and on the road. They'll be marching in Blue Ridge, Georgia, on Saturday, June 30. (Facebook.com Photo)

ATHENS, TENN.

Colors will splash across the night sky on July Fourth when fireworks are shot from Athens Regional Park, 2405 Decatur Pike. Showtime is about 9:30 p.m.

For more information: 423-745-0334.

BLUE RIDGE, GA.

They're back! The Amazing Seed & Feed Marching Abominables from Atlanta will again march in the Old-Timers Parade on Saturday, June 30, through downtown Blue Ridge to kick off Independence Day weekend.

The Seed & Feed Marching Abominables are a community band that performs at home, on the road in festivals, community events and fundraisers of all kinds.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. CDT and processes along East and West Main streets. There will be antique vehicles, a pipe and drum corps and marchers in period attire.

The community party will go out with a bang Saturday night when fireworks are shot from Lake Blue Ridge Marina at 8:30 CDT.

For more information: 706-632-5680

CLEVELAND, TENN.

Make the Fourth of July a night out in Cleveland, where you can catch a movie, enjoy dinner and stay for fireworks at Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway.

The mall will close at 7 p.m. on Wednesday to prepare for its fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. However, AMC Theater will be open regular hours.

Stadium BBQ will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offer food vending on the sidewalk near its entrance after 7 p.m.

Shells will be shot from the T.L. Lowery lower lot. Bring a lawn chair to watch the display.

For more information: 423-479-3381.

DALTON, GA.

Swimming, pageants, contests and a fireworks finale will entertain visitors beginning at noon and leading up to a 30-minute fireworks extravaganza at 9:45 p.m.

The pool and splash pad at Heritage Point Park, 1275 Cross Plains Trail, will be open from noon to 7 p.m. for free swimming.

Afternoon contests include an old-timers' softball game at 1 p.m., disc golf tournament at 2, cornhole tournament at 3 and pageants at 4. Competitors will try to stuff as many Krystals, doughnuts and doughnut holes in their mouths as they can during three eating contests at 5 p.m. Wresting matches will begin at 6:30 p.m.

But the highlight of the day will be the sight of 4,742 shells illuminating the night sky during the fireworks finale at dark.

For more information: 706-278-5404

DECATUR, TENN.

Bring a lawn chair for seating and be entertained by the locals during karaoke at 4 p.m. before the professionals sing at 5:30 on Wednesday, July 4. The street party will be held at 116 N. Main St.

First up, Wayward Sons followed by Dianne's Garage Band and then Aunt Betty closes out the concert before fireworks at dark.

For more information: 423-334-5496.

DUNLAP, TENN.

The "Dukes of Hazzard's" Bo Duke will headline the Fourth of July party in Dunlap, sponsored by the Sequatchie County Rescue Squad in partnership with the city of Dunlap.

Yes, John Schneider is coming to Dunlap and will sing at 7:30 p.m. CDT, sign autographs and pose with the General Lee from 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

As is tradition, the patriotic party will start with a parade at 9 a.m. CDT through downtown from the old middle school to Harris Park, where a party continues with a festival.

Music will start at 10:30 a.m. with Carolina Calling. Shawn Cooley and Time Truck take the stage at 1 p.m., Stallion at 2:30, Zachary Paul Band at 4 o'clock. Cody McCarver plays from 5:30 to 7:30 before Schneider comes on until 9. (All times Central.) Fireworks will wrap up the day.

Admission is free, and bring a folding chair. However, if you want to see Schneider up close, donate $15 for VIP seating.

For more information: 423-488-5068

GRAYSVILLE, TENN.

Food, fun and fireworks are the buzzwords for Freedom Fest, which will be put on by the Graysville Fire Department on Saturday, June 30, from 4 to 11 p.m. in Kristopher's Kingdom, 475 Blacktrack Road.

New this year: an 18-foot-tall, 51-foot-long water slide and a bounce house. Kids can climb and slide from 4 to 8 p.m. with a $5 wristband.

Barely Kickin' Band will play before the fireworks show about 10 p.m.

For more information: 423-775-9242.

HENAGAR, ALA.

Sand Mountain is known for its diversity of agricultural products, including potatoes. So it's no surprise that they celebrate the holiday with a Potato Festival.

The 36th Potato Festival will be held July 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. CDT in Henagar City Park, 18294 Highway 75.

Citizens will celebrate their heritage with a parade, car show, live music, arts and crafts, concessions, entertainment, games and a fireworks finale at dark.

For more information: 256-657-6282.

HIXSON

Bring a portable chair for seating and enjoy dinner and fireworks at Camp Columbus, 8601 Camp Columbus Road, on Tuesday, July 3, beginning at 5 p.m.

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be sold for $5. Coolers are not permitted.

For more information: 423-842-7011.

JASPER, TENN.

Heads up! Fireworks will fill the sky above Jasper City Park, 700 Phillips Ave., about 9 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, July 4.

For more information: 423-942-3180.

LAFAYETTE, GA.

The town's annual Freedom Fest is set for Friday, June 29, at the Municipal Park Center, 638 S. Main St.

Fun gets underway at 5 p.m., with contests starting about 7:30 after Taylor Templin sings the national anthem.

Vendors will offer everything from barbecue sandwiches to balloon animals. There will be free swim time, a Krystal-eating contest, old-timers' game, cruise-in and cornhole tournament.

Music will be provided by 8TRK at 5 p.m. and Babe's Bayout from 8-10 p.m., followed by fireworks.

For more information: 706-639-1590.

LAKESITE

A community barbecue and fireworks display will be hosted by Lakesite city government on Wednesday, July 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. in Lakesite City Park.

Barbecue will be provided and citizens are asked to bring the sides. Meet your neighbors, bring the kids and turn them loose on the playground. The softball field is ready for use as well.

Enjoy the park while waiting for fireworks at "dark-thirty."

For more information: 423-842-2533.

SEWANEE, TENN.

"Sea to Shining Sea" is the theme of this year's Fourth of July celebration in Sewanee. The two-day party begins with a street dance at Sewanee Market on Tuesday, July 3. Dance to the music of Bad Naybor from 8 p.m. to midnight CDT. All further times listed are also Central.

A full day of activities begins Wednesday, July 4, with sunrise yoga in Manigault Park at 6:15 a.m. Monteagle Assembly's 42nd Pub Run begins at 8 a.m.

An arts and crafts fair featuring the work of 75 artists opens at 9 a.m. in Shoup Park. Author Jon Meacham will sign his new book, "The Soul of America" from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in University Book and Supply Store, 750 University Ave.

Children's fun can be found at Manigault Park with games and inflatables and a mutt show at 10 a.m.

Over in Angel Park there will be barbecue and music from Jess Goggans Band from noon-2 p.m.

Visitors to the University of the South campus will have a rare opportunity to hear a carillon concert in All Saints Chapel at 2 p.m. Raymond Gotko, Sarah Strickland and Charlene Williamson will play.

After a 2 p.m. parade down University Avenue from Sewanee Market to Hall Street, look to the skies for an air show (weather permitting) at 3:30 p.m. at Sewanee Airport.

Musicians participating in the annual Sewanee Summer Music Festival will play a free patriotic concert at 7 p.m. in Guerry Auditorium that will lead up to a fireworks blowout at dark.

The fireworks will be shot over Lake Cheston and there is a $1 donation requested. Parking at the lake will be limited to handicapped and special-needs guests only.

For more information: www.facebook.com/sewanee4thofjuly/

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN

The Signal Mountain Lions Club expects to serve about 1,000 pounds of pork over three hours on the Fourth of July at its annual barbecue, a Signal Mountain tradition for more than four decades.

The barbecue is held in Althaus Park, behind Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club. President Gary Lowder says a drive-through pickup for bulk meat only will open at 10 a.m. The Lions will begin serving plates at 11 a.m.

A $10 plate will include sandwich, beans, slaw and chips. Customers may buy plates or buy meat in bulk during serving hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Every cent raised helps fund Signal Mountain Lions Club's philanthropic efforts.

Independence Day will go out with a bang when fireworks are shot from the soccer field at Signal Mountain Middle-High School. Lowder says he expects the show to start between 9:15 to 9:30 p.m.

For more information: 423-400-5198.

SODDY-DAISY

A day-long Fourth of July celebration is set for Wednesday in Soddy-Daisy Park beginning at 9 a.m., sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 942.

A new feature has been added this year: Music on the Lake. Stephanie Wittler Beavers, former Miss Tennessee, will emcee the show on the south ballfields. Bring a folding chair and enjoy music of Stone Cold Fox at 3:15 p.m., Chad Shipley at 5:15 p.m. and Amber Carrington at 7 p.m. Carrington was a semifinalist on Season 4 of "The Voice."

Throughout the day there will be food and craft vendors, train rides and other fun for kids and a car show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..

Fireworks will color the night sky over Soddy Lake at 9:45 p.m.

For more information: 423-718-1735.

SOUTH PITTSBURG, TENN.

South Pittsburg's Fourth of July Celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, at Playground Paradise and South Pittsburg Park Pool.

The pool will be open for a free swim, Family Concessions will sell food and Afflicshun will play from 6 to 9 p.m.

The day of family fun wraps up with fireworks at 9 p.m.

For more information: 423-837-5012.

SPRING CITY, TENN.

A day filled with contests, music, vendors, food and fun is set for Saturday, June 30, when Shake the Lake is held at Spring City Veterans Park.

The annual Independence Day celebration will close with a fireworks finale at dark.

For more information: 423-365-6441.

SUMMERVILLE, GA.

Summerville will celebrate Independence Day with festivities and fireworks on Saturday, June 30, at 6 p.m. at the Chattooga County Ag Center, 34 Middle School Road.

From 6 to 9 p.m. there will be free water slides, sack races, free watermelon, greasy pole contest and cornhole tournament.

Then dance to party band ATL at 8 p.m. until the fireworks at 10.

For more information: 706-859-0900.

TRENTON, GA

Step back in time to an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration when the 1945 Dade County Fair is held on July 4 in Jenkins Park, 103 Price St.

Enjoy a baseball game, antique car show, games, homemade ice cream contest, live music by bluegrass band Barefoot Nellie and a fireworks show at dark.

For more information: 706-657-4488.

- Compiled by staff writer Susan Pierce

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