Colored by red, white and blue to remember the nation’s independence from Great Britain, many choose to commemorate the Fourth of July by attending a parade, having a picnic or inviting friends over for a barbecue.
A holiday famous for fireworks, sparklers and patriotic fashion, many people enjoy socializing by attending a nearby community event that will leave the kids excited for next year’s celebrations.
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Below are a list of local events to take part in the Independence Day festivities:
- Waynesboro: On July 3, from 6 to 10 p.m., a Fourth of July event will be held at Jonathan Broxton Park, located at 465 Burke Veterans Parkway, by Burke County’s Recreation Department. The bash will feature food trucks, games, inflatables, and a spectacular fireworks show.
- Fort Eishenhower: Presented by Snide’s Towing and Autoworks, from 6 to 11 p.m. on July 3, families will be invited to enjoy live entertainment from Chris Cagle and Lonestar, a kid-focused carnival, food, fireworks and so much more. Admission is free and takes place on the military base’s Barton Field, located near the intersection of 25th Street and Brainard Avenue. Fireworks will be scheduled to start at approximately 9:45 p.m.
- Meadow Garden: For families wanting an earlier celebration, look no further than Meadow Garden, located at 1320 Independence Drive. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families are encouraged to hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud as it was in 1776, watch a revolutionary color guard, and enjoy live music from the Garden City Strummers. Admission is free and the day will include several children’s activities, such as quill pen writing. Famous for being the home of George Walton, a signer of the Declaration, guests will also be allowed to tour the home Meadow Garden throughout the day. Admission is free and the day will include several children’s activities, such as quill pen writing. The Declaration reading will take place at 11 a.m.
- Augusta Common: On July 4, downtown Augusta’s Common area, located at 836 Reynolds St., will host a city celebration at 5:30 p.m. that will feature live entertainment, food trucks, various vendors and kid-friendly activities. Admission is free and fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m.
- Evans Towne Center Park: Starting at 5 p.m. on the Fourth of July, Evans Towne Center Park will host its annual “Boom! In the Park” event at 7016 Evans Towne Center Blvd. Admission is free and will include live music from Whiskey Run and Ryan Trotti, food and beverage vendors, and an amazing laser and fireworks show. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit comfortably in the grass.
- Downtown Augusta: At 9 a.m., members of General Oglethorpe Camp, Heroes of ’76 of Clarence H. Cohen Chapter #162, National Sojourners, Inc., Summerville Brass Quintet, and various other Masonic and civic organizations will be presenting the 14th annual Fourth of July celebration at the Signer’s Monument in Augusta. Located at Monument and Greene Street, the event will feature keynote speaker Lewis Smith, from the Thomson-McDuffie Museum and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. A number of Masonic, veteran, civic, religious and political groups will be represented at the event, first initiated by the Honorable James Hanby Sr. Admission is free and children present will have a chance to participate in the event during the naming of Declaration signers. Musical selections will also play a major role.
- North Augusta: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., explore Living History Park’s annual Fourth of July event at 299 West Spring Grove Ave. The yearly celebration will include a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Briton Willams, the Mayor of North Augusta, and various activities. Families will be invited to tour historic buildings and dress up in patriotic spirit as several reenactors bring history to life. Admission is free.
- Warrenville: Stephen’s Auction Company will be hosting an all-day Fourth of July bash at 2796 Pine Log Road starting at 10 a.m. where families can enjoy waterslides, fireworks, food, games, inflatable rides and more. Admission is free and musical entertainment will be performed live at 6 p.m. by Savannah Sunday. Rides will start at 10 a.m. and the night will conclude with fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Appling: On Thursday, from 10 to 11 a.m., Mistletoe State Park, located at 3725 Mistletoe Road, will host a free event for families to step back in time and explore life as a colonist. Attendees can make themed candles, butter, button whirligigs and more! Registration is required and can be completed at https://www.exploregeorgia.org/appling/events/holidays/red-white-and-blue-celebration
- Thomson-McDuffie: On July 5, the Thomson-McDuffie Government Center will host an annual celebration at 210 Railroad St. Starting at 7 p.m., the Freedom Blast event will feature music, food and more, families are invited to enjoy the exciting night for free, and end the freedom festivities with a firework show at 9:30 p.m.
