Ashley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.
On Thursday, July 4, the Jefferson County Otto M. Walker American Legion Post 49 will be hosting the county's annual Independence Day celebration and firework extravaganza.
The July 4 evening will include live music from a band visiting from Thomasville, Ga., a color
guard presentation, the performance of the National Anthem, veteran recognition and, of course, a firework show to light up the nighttime sky.
The celebration will be held at Tiger Stadium, located behind the old high school on South Water Street.
At 7 p.m., the gates will open and the stadium's concession stand will serve fresh, hot boiled peanuts, hot dogs, chips and cold drinks.
At 7:30 p.m., visiting band Southern Edge will begin to perform for the evening.
At 8:15 p.m., a welcome to guests will be provided, followed by a Color Guard presentation by members of the local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations.
Attendees will be invited to participate in a pledge of allegiance before the National Anthem is performed at 8:25 p.m., and an opening prayer by Rev. Sean Vickers at 8:30 p.m.
Officials, veterans and first responders will be introduced by Robert E. Morris, starting at 8:35 p.m.
As Southern Edge returns to playing their selection of southern rock and country music as “Ben Franklin” (played by Lloyd Wheeler) mingles throughout the crowd.
Throughout the evening, military vehicles and helicopters will be on display, courtesy of Georgia-Florida Aviation Search and Rescue Team (G-FAST).
At 9:15 p.m., Franklin/Wheeler will provide a presentation as a preamble to the focus of the evening's festivities – the fireworks.
By 9:30 p.m., celebrators will want to have picked their spot and settled in, for the firework extravaganza will begin.
As in previous years, the grand firecracker display will be provided by Jefferson County native Wallace O. Bullock, of Pyroworks, LLC.
This hometown celebration will be a free, family-friendly experience where Americans of all ages and backgrounds can come together and celebrate a history of freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.