CELEBRATE JULY 4TH EVENTS

July 4th Celebrate Events

Celebrate Freedom will launch the area’s first official Fourth of July fireworks show Sunday, July 3, on the front lawn of Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City. Marshall Street Baptist Church will host this annual concert and fireworks event for the 18th time, and this year’s show will include three acts on stage, starting at 6 p.m., said emcee Steve Culberson.

“Our opening act this year is the Griffith Family from Sylacauga. We like to have a good variety, and we haven’t had Southern gospel in a few years. They have a real good sound, and we’re excited about having them this year,” Culberson said.

With a poignant story of faith and love, the Griffith Family has a performance style that reflects the depth of joy and hope in their lives. Since 2014, the family has lived and worked full time in music from Nashville, Tennessee. They have been featured on radio and television, including TBN network’s Praise the Lord.

The mid-stage portion of the show will highlight the humor of Christian comedian Mickey Bell, who will share funny stories from his life experiences. More than just a deliverer of corny church jokes, Bell has a quick wit and high energy that entertains audiences across the country.

“Mickey Bell will be a good break between the two music acts. He’s won some big awards, and he’s really funny,” Culberson said.

Headliner for this year’s show, Colton Dixon was voted fan favorite on Season 11 of American Idol. He has appeared on the Today Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and endeavors to feature faith-based music without alienating a wider audience. “He is a good entertainer. Really good,” Culberson said. “Young people will really enjoy him.” Following Dixon’s performance, the fireworks will blast off after dark

Celebrate Freedom

Left: The family-friendly event is now in its 18th year; Below: The concert attracts hundreds of local residents and visitors.

set to patriotic music, which will be broadcast on Kowaliga Country 97.5 FM radio.

Food trucks will be parked on site, and patrons will able to purchase other items – such as baked goods and ice cream. No smoking or alcohol is allowed. No coolers, Culberson said, but bring lawn chairs and blankets for the lawn. The event is free and open to the public.

“In case of rain, the show will go ahead unless there is thunder and lightning,” Culberson said. “Come out and have a good time. Worship the Lord.”

Russell Lands will open the weekend celebration with Jonathan Bloom at Friday on the Green, a free familyfriendly concert at 6:30 p.m. on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Bring lawn chairs, blankets for the grass, picnics and the pup on a leash to get the weekend’s relaxation vibe started.

Return to the Town Green on Saturday morning for the 11th annual Arti Gras juried art show. Artisans from all across the Southeast will display their handmade goods for sale, from jewelry to soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork and more. The show will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And don’t miss the Fourth of July Boat Parade, presented by Russell Marine, at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 4. The parade starts at Kowaliga Marina and makes a loop to the Children’s Harbor lighthouse and back as entrants vie for prizes for the tallest flag, largest flag, most patriotic crew, most creative theme and best overall boat and crew. Register your boat crew on line until 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event.

In Dadeville, the Blue Creek golf cart parade is set for 11 a.m. on Olana Drive at the north end of Ponder Camp Road. Park anywhere along Ponder Camp Road to collect candy and trinkets thrown by parade entries. To join the fun, meet at 10 a.m. at Olana Drive. For more information, contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.

The weekend wraps up at Lake Martin Amphitheater with the annual concert and one of the Southeast’s largest fireworks displays. While patrons often park alongside the road outside the amphitheater or in boats offshore, the real show is on the ground at The Amp. Admission is a bargain at $10. Bring lawn chairs, blankets for the grassy hillside, coolers and picnics, but please leave the pup safely at home for this event.

Andrew Jannakos will headline the concert, following local favorite The Bank Walkers, who will open the show at 6:30 p.m. Jannakos will perform two sets – before and after the spectacular fireworks show.

A Georgia native, Jannakos has more than a million followers on social media, after his wife posted a video of him cooking dinner while singing his breakout single, Gone Too Soon, which he co-wrote with Jason Afable and Josh Bricker. The clip went viral with more than 10 million views, and his popularity is soaring. But it’s not all internet hype. Jannakos comes from music. His grandfather played in a bluegrass band, and in 2019, Jannakos built a global fan base on Season 16 of The Voice.

The first weekend of July promises a lot of fun in the sun, so make plans to be here.

You won’t want to miss it.

A Weekend Like No Other

Above Left: The holiday weekend starts at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads, where Arti Gras opens Saturday morning with the works of regional artisans; Above Right: Andrew Jannakos will headline the July 4th concert at The Amp.