The Fourth of July holiday is a time for poolside fun, cooking out, enjoying cool drinks and topping off the evening by viewing a fireworks display. There are several locations in and around the Reporter Newspapers communities where you can put a little “sparkle” into your Fourth of July festivities this year.
Buckhead – Lenox Square
An Atlanta summer tradition for more than 50 years, Lenox Square will celebrate the Fourth of July with musical entertainment, food concessions and the largest fireworks display in the Southeast. New in 2013, Lenox Square will showcase “Atlanta’s Next Legend,” local singer Wesley Cook. Enjoy family-friendly fun outdoors in the mall’s parking lot. Evening culminates with a signature, 20-minute fireworks display, accompanied by a patriotic musical soundtrack.
When: Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. The mall’s shops and restaurants open 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; live music gets under way at 6 p.m.; fireworks scheduled for approximately 9:35 p.m.
Where: 3393 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, 30326, Lenox Square
How much: Free; no pets
For more information: 404-233-7575 or www.simon.com/mall/lenox-square
Buckhead – Atlanta History Center
Wrap up your Fourth of July week by experiencing what the holiday has meant throughout American history. Take part in activities, demonstrations, and performances that highlight Independence Day traditions from 1776 through today. Meet Thomas Jefferson and participate in a re-enactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! Enjoy making and tasting hand-cranked ice cream, learning historic dances and songs, sharing Fourth of July memories, and competing in lawn games and trivia for patriotic prizes.
When: Saturday, July 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, 30305.
How much: Included with general admission. Free parking; food available for purchase; picnics welcomed.
For more information: 404-814-4000 or go to: www.atlantahistorycenter.com.
Chamblee
Celebrate the holiday in Chamblee, beginning at 5 p.m. with a kids’ bike parade from Chamblee Middle School to Keswick Park. Children will enjoy a multitude of activities, including train rides from 5-8 p.m. Bring a picket basket and enjoy the sounds of the “Mike Veal Band,” and end your July Fourth evening with a fireworks show.
When: Thursday, July 4, 5-10 p.m.; music by the “Mike Veal Band” at 6 p.m.; fireworks at approximately 9:15 p.m.
Where: Keswick Park Soccer Field, 3496 Keswick Drive, Chamblee, 30341.
How much: Free admission. Concessions from local businesses will be available throughout the evening.
For more information: www.chambleega.com, under the Parks & Recreation link, or contact Loren Roberts at 770-986‐5016 or lroberts@chambleega.com.
Dunwoody
The annual Dunwoody Fourth of July parade, the largest in the metro area, kicks off a morning of marching bands, clowns, candy, floats, antique cars, government officials and local celebrities. The 2.7-mile route, which winds through the city along Mount Vernon Road, with an end point at Dunwoody Village, features something for everyone. Post-parade festivities include barbeque, vendor booths, kids’ activities and live entertainment. The event attracted over 2,500 participants and 32,000 spectators in 2012.
When: Thursday, July 4, 9 a.m.
Where: Parade steps off at Mount Vernon and Jett Ferry roads, Dunwoody, 30338, and ends in the Dunwoody Village parking lot.
How much: Free.
For more information: Call Pam Tallmadge at 770-393-9647 or
www.dunwoodyga.org/Dunwoody-4th-of-July-Parade
Sandy Springs
The city of Sandy Springs rolls out a fireworks show in 2013, on July 6, from the Concourse Corporate Center lawn. Sit back and enjoy live music, with fireworks set to go off at 9:45 p.m. Water will be available, and complimentary popsicles will help keep kids cool. The public is encouraged to pack snacks and a blanket, and bring soft-sided balls, Frisbees and other kid- and crowd-friendly toys. Pets, tents, outdoor cooking and personal-use sparklers are not permitted.
When: Saturday, July 6, 6:30 p.m.; live music by the band “Shiloh” gets under way at 7:30 p.m.; fireworks scheduled for 9:45 p.m.
Where: Concourse Corporate Center, Five Concourse Parkway, 30328.
How much: Free admission. Complimentary parking available in parking decks Five and Six; handicapped parking in deck Four.
For more information:
www.sandyspringsga.gov or call 770-730-5600.