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Independence Day approaches this week, and local communities are gearing up to celebrate the anniversary of America’s freedom declaration in a variety of ways.

Greenville area residents can expect to enjoy the city’s fireworks show at an event which will host food truck vendors beginning around 7 p.m. Gates at Tiger Stadium open at 7:30 p.m.

In the south end of Butler County, the Georgiana Opry House will host a celebration beginning at 5 p.m. and including live music, a picnic, fireworks and a prize drawing, all for the cost of $25 per person.

Citizens enjoy festive events, and in Lowndes County, the Town of Lowndesboro will host its annual parade beginning at 8:30 a.m. and launching from Lowndes Academy. The free event will also feature vendors for shopping, refreshments and veteran recognition as well as remarks from local and state leaders.

Congress made Independence Day an official federal holiday on June 28, 1870. The first organized celebration of America’s declaration of independence from England, signed on July 4, 1776, was held long before the holiday declaration and took place at the White House on July 3, 1801.

And, while observances look different from one community to the next, most include a gathering of family and friends like those observed in small communities like Gordanville and White Hall in Lowndes County, where some hold family reunions each year during this time. 

Other observances boast food, fireworks and other festivities like the ones planned in Crenshaw County.

The Town of Rutledge will host a celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with vendors, games and a parade onLee Street. The Town of Brantley is having a parade from Brantley High School at 9 a.m.

A fireworks show in Luverne will begin at Turner Park around dark on July 5. The Magnolia Shores community is also hosting a family-friendly event complete with fireworks at dark, games and activities at 3 p.m., swimming, vendors and more 

No matter whether residents attend one of the organized community events or celebrate in their own backyard, the independence they celebrate has provided the freedom they enjoy, even the liberty to select how they celebrate.

We encourage community members to celebrate safely and responsibly and to remember the sacrifices made so that we may all get to choose how to spend the day.