Happy Independence Day, everyone! July Fourth can be such a wonderful family experience. Many people have fond memories of backyard cookouts with hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, bottles of soda that look so inviting sitting on ice in a big cooler, and that big slice of watermelon that is so messy and utterly delicious at the same time.
Of course, no July Fourth celebration would be complete without the fireworks. Watching the majestic beauty of those colorful explosions overhead is the perfect way to wrap up the day’s festivities.
If you are close to Atlanta, there are lots of fun things happening for you and your family this year that we hope you take advantage of. Here are some of the options for celebrating the Fourth of July in Atlanta and the surrounding area.
Fourth of July Celebrations in Henry County
The celebrations start early in Henry County. Make sure you arrive in downtown Hampton before 10 a.m., because that’s when the annual Fourth of July parade begins. The parade is scheduled to last for two hours and is a fun way to celebrate with floats and marching bands.
For those of you who are runners, the annual Firecracker Road Race, a 5K and 10K race which benefits the Special Olympics, kicks off at 8 a.m. on July 4 in McDonough. You can register for the race on the spot if you haven’t pre-registered. It’s a great family event; they even have a Tot Trot at 9 a.m., after the race has started. Come out and run for a good cause.
If you’re looking for fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July, Henry County has a brand-new display this year. The Fourth of July Family Fest is being held at Warren Holder Park in Locust Grove from noon to 10 p.m. In addition to the nighttime fireworks display, there will also be live music, a BBQ contest, over 100 different vendors and a Kids’ Zone. According to Henry County, this will be “the largest firework display and family festival in the south Atlanta area.”
Coca-Cola July 4th Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags Over Georgia, Atlanta’s huge theme park, has been celebrating Independence Day since June 30. Every night, they are doing a large fireworks show that starts at dusk. Come spend the day at the park with the kids, then enjoy the spectacle at night.
Hurricane Harbor is the water park at Six Flags, and for the Fourth, they are offering VIP passes. In addition to seats at a prime firework viewing location, they have an all-you-can-eat buffet from 7-9:30 p.m., as well as exclusive extra water slide time.
Celebrating Independence Day in Downtown Atlanta
This year, the Centennial Park fireworks have been moved due to construction going on in the park. Instead, the big show has been moved to International Plaza near the Georgia World Congress Center Authority.
This family friendly event begins at 6 p.m., when the gates open. The event is billed as the largest fireworks show in the Southeast. Admission is free and there will be music and entertainment.
For those who do not want to brave the crowds in downtown Atlanta, the fireworks show and salute to the military will be broadcast live on WSB-TV, Channel 2.
Everyone here at Family Matters Law Group wishes you a safe and fun holiday. We’re proud to be a part of the community in Henry, Clayton, Fayette and Fulton Counties, as well as the greater Atlanta metro area. For more ideas about family friendly events in the Atlanta area, here’s a quick reference guide from the folks at Atlanta Parent.
Please remember: fireworks at home cause significant injuries to many children every July Fourth. The easiest way to keep your kids safe is to view a public show or watch on TV. It’s all about the kids. Stay safe everyone!
