Athens, Atlanta offer varied fourth of July celebrations
JESSICA SMITH
Issue date: 6/28/07 Section: Variety
Fireworks, parades and of course, barbecue. It's that time of year again, and there's plenty to do around Athens and Atlanta to celebrate our nation's birthday.
The Star-Spangled Classic is an exciting tradition at Bishop Park. Sponsored by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department, the free festivities begin at 6 Wednesday night.
The Classic City Band, The 60s and Powerplay play live music with a Little Mr. and Mrs. Firecracker Contest, and fireworks start at 9 p.m.. Elks Lodge sells concessions with all profits going to Project START.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, Publix donated the ACC Community Birthday Cake.
If you're looking to get away, a quick trip to Hiawassee will give you plenty of outdoor fun this July 4.
The 2007 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza takes place at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on Wednesday.
This annual celebration is being co-sponsored for the first time this year by a local bank, so guests can expect the biggest fireworks display in its history.
"The mountains make a backdrop for the fireworks, and their reflection off the lake is gorgeous," said Sarah Waters, PR executive for the Fairgrounds.
"It's free. There's free parking, and it's just a great place to take your family."
The Enchanted Valley Square Dancers provide entertainment, and a boat parade on Lake Chatuge begins at 5 p.m. Fireworks are at 9:45 p.m..
If you're still searching for something more, it's a bet you can find it in Atlanta. The city teems with Independence Day festivities, such as Lenox Square's or Stone Mountain's celebrations. These established traditions aside, there are a variety of unique ways to celebrate.
The Westin's acclaimed restaurant, the Sun Dial, offers a smaller, indoor celebration with spectacular views of Independence Day fireworks in every direction. This family-friendly event is standing room only with traditional picnic cuisine including chicken fingers, potato salad and corn dogs.
If you're looking for something more formal, the restaurant level serves a Fourth of July-inspired prix fixe menu, while the lounge features live jazz from the Mose Davis trio. The event begins at 8 p.m. with varying prices for its different menus.
The annual Peachtree Road Race happens Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. This Fourth of July tradition is nearly 40 years old and brings competitors from all over the world to Atlanta, and also sponsors a wheelchair race at 6:55 a.m.
It started in 1970 with 110 runners and was founded by the Atlanta Track Club. Now the race has over 50,000 runners and more than 100,000 spectators.
"It's the largest 10K in the world, and a huge tradition for many families," said Michelle Bourg, office coordinator of the Atlanta Track Club.
"It's something that families can share together," she said. "It's also different from football or any other sporting event because you're not watching it, you're actually doing it."
There are still limited entries available. Visit www.atlantatrackclub.org/index.html for more information.
The Star-Spangled Classic is an exciting tradition at Bishop Park. Sponsored by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department, the free festivities begin at 6 Wednesday night.
The Classic City Band, The 60s and Powerplay play live music with a Little Mr. and Mrs. Firecracker Contest, and fireworks start at 9 p.m.. Elks Lodge sells concessions with all profits going to Project START.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, Publix donated the ACC Community Birthday Cake.
If you're looking to get away, a quick trip to Hiawassee will give you plenty of outdoor fun this July 4.
The 2007 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza takes place at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on Wednesday.
This annual celebration is being co-sponsored for the first time this year by a local bank, so guests can expect the biggest fireworks display in its history.
"The mountains make a backdrop for the fireworks, and their reflection off the lake is gorgeous," said Sarah Waters, PR executive for the Fairgrounds.
"It's free. There's free parking, and it's just a great place to take your family."
The Enchanted Valley Square Dancers provide entertainment, and a boat parade on Lake Chatuge begins at 5 p.m. Fireworks are at 9:45 p.m..
If you're still searching for something more, it's a bet you can find it in Atlanta. The city teems with Independence Day festivities, such as Lenox Square's or Stone Mountain's celebrations. These established traditions aside, there are a variety of unique ways to celebrate.
The Westin's acclaimed restaurant, the Sun Dial, offers a smaller, indoor celebration with spectacular views of Independence Day fireworks in every direction. This family-friendly event is standing room only with traditional picnic cuisine including chicken fingers, potato salad and corn dogs.
If you're looking for something more formal, the restaurant level serves a Fourth of July-inspired prix fixe menu, while the lounge features live jazz from the Mose Davis trio. The event begins at 8 p.m. with varying prices for its different menus.
The annual Peachtree Road Race happens Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. This Fourth of July tradition is nearly 40 years old and brings competitors from all over the world to Atlanta, and also sponsors a wheelchair race at 6:55 a.m.
It started in 1970 with 110 runners and was founded by the Atlanta Track Club. Now the race has over 50,000 runners and more than 100,000 spectators.
"It's the largest 10K in the world, and a huge tradition for many families," said Michelle Bourg, office coordinator of the Atlanta Track Club.
"It's something that families can share together," she said. "It's also different from football or any other sporting event because you're not watching it, you're actually doing it."
There are still limited entries available. Visit www.atlantatrackclub.org/index.html for more information.
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