Here’s a guessing game. What holiday is synonymous with mouth-watering food, entertaining family activities, patriotic music (or any catchy live music), fireworks displays, and the colors red, white, and blue? The answer is surely obvious. It’s Independence Day! As the 4th of July is just a drumroll away, it’s time to make plans for what to do. While many families create memories at get-togethers, there are plenty of Independence Day celebrations in Calhoun County for folks to wax patriotic. Join us as we take a look at the 4th of July events in Oxford, Jacksonville, Piedmont, Heflin, and Lincoln, Alabama.
Freedom Festival at Oxford Lake Park
For many years, the Freedom Festival at Oxford Lake Park has been the premier event in Calhoun County to celebrate July 4th in high-flying style. Set for the big day on Tuesday, July 4, this day-long extravaganza begins at 8 am with an “Around the Lake Ramble” for senior adults, then progresses to an antique car parade at 9 am. This ceremonious affair is child-friendly (patriotic costumes are welcome), where they can walk or ride in non-motorized vehicles down McCullars Lane with the adult participants.
Other kid’s activities include tricycle and bicycle races (child must bring own helmet and bike), a petting zoo, free carnival games and prizes, and even a clown who will personally craft balloon animals! People of all ages can also enjoy the Pet Show at 9:30 am, which follows the opening ceremonies at 9:15 am. The Oxford Lake Pool will be open for a refreshing dip from 11 am to 4 pm for a nominal admission fee of $2. The pool will host exciting swim races, adding a splash of fun to the celebration.
Food vendors will be onsite throughout the day serving recipes that could rival any family backyard barbeque. And the grand day will conclude with an awe-inspiring fireworks show at 9 pm that never fails to impress yearly festivalgoers.
Jax Fest
The City of Jacksonville’s Annual Independence Day Celebration offers an opportunity to engage in community festivities while also leaving the “big day” free, as it takes place on Monday, July 3 from 6 pm to 9 pm. On Public Square in the heart of town, get ready for some evening fun as the local rock band PARRIS cranks up electrifying music. There will be arts and crafts vendors selling their wares, and local restaurants and food trucks will offer a variety of American favorites to satisfy every palate.
Even youngsters will find satisfaction at the kids’ zone featuring a petting zoo, an inflatable slide, bounce houses, and a foam party. Finally, prepare to be bedazzled by colorful fireworks as Jax Fest lets freedom ring!
Piedmont’s 3rd Annual Independence Day Celebration
For those looking to kickstart Independence Day the weekend before, the City of Piedmont and the Piedmont Arts and Entertainment Committee are hosting its annual celebration on Saturday, July 1 from 3 pm to 9 pm at the Piedmont Sports Complex. Folks can browse through a vibrant array of arts and crafts vendors like Allen’s Unique Resins, Grandma’s Creations, Rylee Hall Candles, Willie’s Peaches, and Ginger Bunn Arts & Crafts. Other local businesses will be showcasing their offerings such as Jordan’s Counseling, Kia of Anniston, and more.
Children will be thrilled with the kid’s activities available, such as a bounce house, face painting, and glowworm golf. They can even enjoy horseback rides, visit the Tickled Pink Petting Zoo, and have their photos taken with Disney characters Elsa and Jack Sparrow. And when hunger pangs arise, there are plenty of food options to choose from with food vendors on hand including Bigboy Wings and Kona Ice of Calhoun County. Live music by Sherwood Seven Band will rock the crowd, setting up an atmosphere of anticipation for hearts to beat red, white, and blue under a canopy of thrilling fireworks.
Independence Day Celebration in Heflin
Join the residents of Heflin, Alabama, for their Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 1 from 6 pm to 10 pm at Heflin City Park. This family-friendly event offers a fantastic lineup of free activities that will suit anyone looking to have a Yankee Doodle Day. Kids can enjoy Bonnie Balloon’s tricks or an inflatable slide, while everyone can take part in the Bike/Golf Cart Parade or snack on free watermelon.
At 6:30 pm, the Cleburne County Choir will serenade the crowd with patriotic anthems. Food options at this event will include Rockhouse Farms and New Beginning Shaved Ice. The evening showstopper will be an impressive fireworks display to celebrate life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in style.
Lincoln’s 3rd Annual 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza
A final Saturday pre-July 4th option is sure to go off with a bang. Located at Lincoln’s Landing in Lincoln, Alabama, their Independence Day celebration will go from 2 pm to 9 pm on Saturday, July 1. Festival attendees can indulge in mouth-watering treats from food vendors, browse through arts and crafts stalls, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day.
The Yard at Angler’s Pointe will host live performances from 5 pm until the concluding fireworks show. Entertainers featured will be North American Misfits and special guests Scott Haggard and Mickey Hayes of the David Allen Coe Band. Comedian Biggins will add an extra layer of fun
