Celebrating the Fourth

By Dean Poling

July 03, 2008 11:34 pm

— VALDOSTA — Wild Adventures is one of several area spots featuring events today for the Fourth of July.
The Valdosta Daily Times is a partner in Wild Adventures’ events, which will include two nights of fireworks presented by Stone Mountain Park, as well as a concert featuring Randy Owen of country super-band Alabama. A military appreciation rate will be in effect for both today and Saturday for all military personnel, dependents, retired military, and Guard and Reserve members.
Stone Mountain has earned the reputation of presenting one of the finest fireworks shows in the South. During the past 25 years, an estimated 20 million people have witnessed the Stone Mountain fireworks. “The same talent responsible for their show will produce the spectacular for Wild Adventures,” according to the park.
“The firework displays will be the biggest in the park’s history,” Wild Adventures General Manager Bob Montgomery said. “With the expertise of Stone Mountain Park behind the shows, the guests at Wild Adventures will definitely be impressed.”

WILD ADVENTURES FIREWORKS
STONE MOUNTAIN PARK FIREWORKS
When: 9:30 p.m. today and Saturday.
ALABAMA FRONTMAN RANDY OWEN
When: Music starts with Brandi Thornton, 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
MILITARY APPRECIATION
All military members can enjoy the park with a special one-day admission rate of $25. The rate is available to personnel with a valid military ID, including active-duty members, dependents, retired veterans, Guard and Reserve members. This rate is available today and Saturday only.
GENERAL ADMISSION
The Independence Day events are included in the park’s regular admission price, or as part of the park’s Passport.

ADEL
Reed Bingham State Park hosts an Independence Day Celebration, throughout Saturday, July 5, with activities such as pontoon-boat rides, animal programs, watermelon-eating contests, and a fireworks display after dark.
More information: Call (229) 896-3551.

ECHOLS COUNTY
Echols County hosts its first Fourth of July fireworks in the county’s history — all part of the build-up to this year’s sesquicentennial celebration for Echols.
Echols County’s Independence Day festivities start 2 p.m., continuing until shortly after dark. Events include baseball games, water activities for children, a bounce house, more. Plenty of food and drink.
At 7:30 p.m., a special ceremony will be held to honor the many veterans of Echols County and those who currently serve in the military. A flag pole has been donated and will be dedicated to Echols County veterans at the ceremony.
Fireworks shortly after dark.
More information: Call Ashley DeLoach, 559-5726.

LAKE PARK
Sponsored by the city of Lake Park, the Lake Park United Methodist Church and the Lake Park business community, the July 4 celebration features day-long events such as Arts & Crafts Street Fair; a festival with games for all ages; a quilt show and sale; food and drinks.
Contests such as the Cake Bake-Off, Lake Park United Methodist Church; Pooch On Parade Dog Show. Plus, a water slide, bounce house, dunk tank, sack race, leap frog, watermelon and hot dog eating contests, bubble gum blowing contest, etc.
Entertainment includes the Chip Tanner Band. From 6-6:30 p.m.,there will be a Tribute to America. All veterans or active military personnel’s names can be added to the Memorial Wall anytime during the day. Winners of Miss Liberty and Uncle Sam contests will be announced. The Grand Dame and Grand Marshall along with the Citizen of the Year will be recognized.
At 7 p.m., a parade, featuring antique tractors, floats, etc. No entry fee. More information or to enter, contact Ron Neumann, 559-5880.
Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m., Tom’s Pond. Display sponsored by local businesses.
More information: Contact Kay Tefft, 559-7931.

NASHVILLE
Day-long events, games, contests with fireworks in the evening.

VALDOSTA
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Recreation, Parks and Community Affairs Department hosts fireworks just after sunset today. Fireworks can best be viewed from area around the Valdosta mall.
More information: Call 259-3507.

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