Local cities get in the action for celebrating US’ 250th birthday
By DONNA THORNTON, Editor
On the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring its independence, the annual celebrations seem to hold a little more significance.
But in any year, nothing says the Fourth of July like fireworks, and a number of local celebrations this year will be lighting the sky on and around this Fourth of July.
The tradition of fireworks goes back about as far as the Declaration of Independence the day commemorates.
According to History.com, as delegates from 12 colonies voted on July 2 in favor of independence (soon to be followed by the 13th) John Adams wrote to his wife on July 3, saying, “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival…It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
As it turned out, he was off by a couple of days because of some minor editing to the Declaration, but he was correct about the celebration.
On July 4, 1777, the Pennsylvania Evening Post reported the festivities: “The evening was closed with the ringing of bells, and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with 13 rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.”
Here are some of the local opportunities to celebrate, most with beautiful illuminations planned.
Crossville
Saturday, June 27
The town of Crossville will host its 11th annual Stars and Stripes Celebration from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at the Crossville Town Park Pavilion at 14039 Alabama Highway 68, Crossville. The event will feature entertainment from Rockland Road, Gary Waldrep and the Sand Mountain Sowers, along with free face-painting and bouncy houses, food vendors and more. The night will end with a fireworks show.
Sardis City
Saturday, June 27
Sardis City invites everyone to celebrate 250 years of America at City Park, at 448 Parkway Drive starting at 5 p.m. Saturday. There will be entertainment:
Jeremy Noble, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Bloodline, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.
Elvis impersonator Terry Padgett from 8-9 p.m.
Kaitlyn Ellison as Moana and Blippi impersonator Joshua Rakestraw also will perform. There’s a cornhole tournament from 5-6 p.m. and a homemade ice cream contest at 5 p.m. with $100 prize for first place and $50 for second place in each, as well as bouncy houses and games, and a car, truck and motorcycle show with no entry fee.
Albertville
Thursday, July 2
The City of Albertville will host Liberty Launch 2026 on Thursday, July 2, beginning at 6 p.m. at Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater, offering a full evening of family-friendly entertainment highlighted by a patriotic drone show at dark.
The annual Independence Day celebration will include live music, a variety of food trucks, inflatables and children’s activities. Admission and all activities are free and open to the public.
The event is part of the nationwide America 250 celebration, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Organizers say the drone show will provide a modern, visually dynamic alternative to traditional fireworks while delivering a memorable patriotic display.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and arrive early to enjoy the full lineup of activities.
Boaz
Friday, July 3
The city of Boaz and the Boaz Area Chamber of Commerce will host fireworks and fun on the eve of the Fourth of July — starting at 5 p.m. Friday, July 3 — at 400 Elizabeth St. in Boaz. Entry is free for the festivities, including music, bouncy houses, music, food vendors and more. Fireworks will begin at 8:30 p.m.
Kilpatrick
Friday, July 3
The town of Kilpatrick will host a Fourth of July celebration July 3, from 4 p.m. until the fireworks end. There’s live entertainment from Junction 231 and the Sand Mountain Sowers, a cornhole tournament, pony rides, balloon animals, food vendors, craft booths and more. Admission is free.
Douglas
Saturday, July 4
There will be a Fourth of July Bash across the street from the Douglas Fire Department on Saturday, July 4. Free hot dogs and hamburgers will be available while supplies last, starting at 5 p.m. The band Trading Faces will perform, starting at 6 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk. Bring your lawn chairs and remember, don’t block the fire department entrance and exit.
Guntersville
Saturday, July 4
There will be fireworks over Lake Guntersville, starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, best views in the areas along Sunset Drive and in the Civitan Park areas. There is a free concert at 6:30 p.m. at the Jeff Cook Stage at Civitan Park with bleacher seating available and lawn chairs welcome. There will be food vendors on site.
Crossville will have its Independence Day celebration from 5-9 p.m. Saturday in the Town Park Pavilion.
TOWN OF CROSSVILLE (2024) | SPECIAL TO THE LEADER
