Photo courtesy of Melanie Poole/American Village.
A re-enactment of the Battle at Concord Bridge takes place during American Village’s Independence Day event. This year’s celebration begins at noon and ends at “twilight’s last gleaming.”
For anyone looking for July 4 festivities, whether it’s fireworks, a grill out or other event, the 280 corridor has them covered. Read on for information on this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
Fire on the Water
► When: July 3 from 5-9 p.m.
► Where: Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham
► What: Oak Mountain State Park once again is hosting its annual Fire on the Water Fourth of July event. The park will be open for normal operating hours and fees, but beginning at 5 p.m., the normal entrance fees will switch to $15 per car. Annual passes will be honored for this event.
There will be vendors in the park from noon until 9 p.m., and visiting families are invited to bring their own picnic lunches or grill out. Alcohol will be sold at the park from 5-8 p.m., and any alcohol present must be purchased from the park.
Aside from the fireworks show, which starts at 9 p.m., families are invited to come out early to hike and play in the water in the park. Flip Side will be exhibiting wakeboarding tricks on the main lake during the day.
Everyone’s favorite part is the “family-friendly park and atmosphere, where you have 10,000 acres to play in all day,” said Anna Jones Frew, the event coordinator for OMSP. Families love the DJ, getting to dance and eat with their families, and just having fun, she said.
For more information, visit alapark.com/oak-mountain-state-park or their Facebook page, Oak Mountain State Park.
American Village Independence Day Celebration
► When: July 4 from noon to “twilight’s last gleaming”
► Where: The American Village, 3727 Alabama 119, Montevallo
► What: Come share Independence Day with the Founding Fathers as American Village celebrates America’s 241st birthday. Admission is $5; active military members and veterans get in free. Gates open at noon, and there will be plenty of activities for the whole family.
Children can enjoy playing games from the colonial period, while the entire family can witness the “shot heard ’round the world” during a re-enactment of the Battle of Concord Bridge.
Other events include a salute to military veterans, meetings with past patriots such as Thomas Jefferson and Abigail Adams, and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. to end the night. Families are encouraged to bring blankets to watch the fireworks. There will be a dozen food options onsite.
For more information, visit americanvillage.org or the American Village Facebook page.
The Big Kaboom
► When: July 1 from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
► Where: Chelsea
► What: In a switch from past years, the Big Kaboom will no longer be in Chelsea Park and has moved to the empty lot behind the Chelsea Dairy Queen on Shelby 47. The event will now be held in conjunction with Chelsea City Fest on July 1 and will feature various vendors and food truck operators.
Much like at Chelsea Park, the Big Kaboom will feature events for kids, such as the Red, White and Blue Bicycle parade and a booth from Liberty Baptist Church with games and activities.
Other events include live bands — with the headliner being the Mississippi band Compozitionz — and a flag retirement ceremony by the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Events will be staggered throughout the night from 5-10:30 p.m.
The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. and will last 20-30 minutes. Bands will continue to play after the fireworks have ended.
For more information, visit facebook.com/ChelseaCityHall.
Greystone Country Club’s July FOURTH Celebration
► What: The Greystone Country Club’s annual Fourth of July celebration is an event for the whole family, with events including the Radio Flyer Children’s Parade and a carnival.
The event is only open to Greystone residents and their guests.
For more information on this event, visit the Greystone Country Club’s website atgreystonecc.com.
