4th of July events guide
American Village
July 4, noon
The American Village, 3727 Highway 119
Step back in time with American Village for a day of fun, food and fireworks as they celebrate the birthday of the United States.
Witness Patrick Henry’s famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death,” or sit down and watch some colonial comedy. These events will repeat throughout the day, so attendees have the chance to see everything.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to see the reenactment of the first battle for independence as the colonials fight the redcoats at Concord Bridge at 2:30 p.m.
The Colonial Independence Ball will be at 4:30 and again at 6:00 p.m. at Liberty Hall.
Children’s activities will include designing an American flag, signing a copy of the Constitution, colonial games and dress-up.
The event will conclude with fireworks in the evening.
Admission is $5 and is free to veterans, active military members and children under the age of 4.
For more information, visit americanvillage.org.
Fire on the Water
July 3, all day
Oak Mountain State Park
Join Oak Mountain State Park for food and fireworks in the forest. The park will operate during its normal hours. However, food vendors such as Dreamland BBQ, Frios Gourmet Pops and McAlister’s Deli will begin setting up between 9-10 a.m. and will be selling food until 9 p.m.
Flip Side Watersports will perform knee and wake boarding demos during the day. There will also be a helicopter exhibition held by the Alabama National Guard 20th Special Force Group.
The park gate will close at 8 p.m. Attendees can watch the fireworks show, which will be fired from the dam, at 9 p.m. from the Day Use area.
Normal gate prices will be in effect until 5 p.m. when the price will switch to $5 per car.
This year, Oak Mountain is providing a shuttle service from the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre to the Day Area. The shuttle will run from 5 p.m. to approximately 7:45 p.m. and will return those who rode the bus back to the amphitheatre after the show.
Greystone July 4th Spectacular
July 4, 9 a.m.-dusk for members, 5 p.m.-dusk for residents
Greystone Golf & Country Club
Greystone Golf & Country Club will hold its annual July 4th Spectacular for members and residents only.
Members are invited to participate in a tennis mixer from 9-11 a.m. Refreshments and watermelon will be provided. RSVP at the Tennis Shop at 986-5154.
Greystone’s Splashtacular & Pool Cookout will open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission will cost $6 for children ages 5-12 and $12 for adults. The event will feature a DJ, food, games and contests from 12 p.m.-3 p.m.
A Flag Day golf tournament will be held from 11:30 a.m. at the Founders and Legacy range. Residents can reserve their tee time online at greystonecc.com or call 980-5200. The Founders range will close at 2 p.m. in preparation for the fireworks show.
The golf, tennis and pool events are only available for members. Residents of Greystone and members may participate in the barbeque buffet from 5-8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for children ages 5-12 and $22 for adults.
Residents can also attend the Radio Flyers Children’s Parade at Founders Clubhouse Circle at 5 p.m. Children can decorate their wagons, bicycles or scooters and participate in the parade. Greystone will also host a carnival, featuring bouncy houses, games and balloon artists.
The night will end with a firework show at Founders Clubhouse at dusk.
The Big Kaboom
July 3, 8 p.m.
Chelsea Park
The Big Kaboom is the City of Chelsea’s way of celebrating Independence Day. The celebration will be held at Chelsea Park Subdivision, just off of Highway 280 in Chelsea. The entertainment portion will begin July 3 at 8:00 pm in the park area off of Chelsea Park Drive, on Parkmont Way.
There will be live music and local food and business vendors will be set up around the perimeter of the park. Be sure to bring a blanket or folding chair for the evening.
The fireworks are set off on top of the ridge near the Chelsea water tower. There are plenty of places to park and watch. There is an open field on Highway 440 and U.S. 280 that is a perfect place to park for those who don’t want to participate in the entertainment. The Chelsea Crossroads Shopping Center parking lot, in front of Publix, is another good spot to view the fireworks.