By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher | Most of the Gwinnett cities are planning activities around the July Fourth holiday. In some instances, the cities are presenting entertainment, so that local residents can stay near home on the holiday, instead of traveling to more distant Atlanta venues for their entertainment.
This is a partial list of local activities:
Lawrenceville
The City of Lawrenceville and United Community Bank will celebrate Independence Day with a host of musical talent that kicks off Friday, June 30th with the Summer Concert, then continues on Monday, July 3 with the 12th annual PRELUDE celebration to honor America’s Day of Liberty. These free events will be held, rain or shine, on the Lawrenceville Lawn at 210 Luckie Street, just off the Historic Downtown Square.
Friday Night (June 30) — the KICKS Country Night party will start at 7 p.m. with live performances by country music artists Dry Gulch, Broken Whisky Glass, and John Rhey. Bringing Nashville to Lawrenceville, Broken Whisky Glass focuses on old school country and southern rock, while John Rhey and Dry Gulch feature traditional country roots intermingled with the sounds of popular modern country.
Monday Night (July 3) – PRELUDE will kick off at 5 p.m. with hits from DJ Suspense, followed by live stage performances from country artist, Zach Seabaugh, as well as the popular soul band, R&B, Inc. Bring chairs or blankets, pack a picnic dinner, discover a new favorite food truck meal, or have dinner at one of the restaurants on the Square, then enjoy the one block walk down to the program and fireworks to follow.
Duluth
Duluth Celebrates America is a family tradition for many and brings thousands to downtown Duluth for the annual event. Fireworks will ignite the sky once again at Duluth’s patriotic celebration.
This year it will take place on Monday, July 3 on Duluth Town Green from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. The 116th Army Band and the Mike Veal Band will provide their rocking tunes.
Food trucks, children’s activities and other activities, including giveaways from 12Stone Duluth, will be a part of the event. A firework display with City Hall as the back drop will wrap up the night. This is an open zone event. For more information, visit: www.duluthga.net/events
Norcross
In celebration of America’s Independence Day, the City of Norcross is throwing a pre-Fourth of July block party on July 3 from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. with fireworks beginning at approximately 9:25 p.m. (or dusk). The 2017 edition of Red, White and BOOM! will include food trucks, fun and fireworks. Activities start at 3 p.m. with bounce houses (nominal fee), festive face painting and an assortment of food vendors.
The City of Norcross will not allow shade structures (tents or umbrellas). ADA parking will be available at City Hall (65 Lawrenceville Street) and Bostic Street. City staff will be available to transport seniors or anyone needing assistance that day via golf carts at each of the respective parking locations. A shuttle will also run continuously from the Norcross First United Methodist Church, 2500 Beaver Ruin Road. For more information, visit aplacetoimagine.com.
Braselton
In downtown Braselton, activities begin on July 4 at 5 p. m, continuing until 10 p.m., with a food festival and kids activities. Then at 6 p.m., a parade along Georgia Highway 53 will really get things moving. The Fly Betty Band will entertain between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. at the Gazebo. And of course, dusk will bring on a giant fireworks show. For more information, go to www.downtownbraselton.com.
Lilburn
In Lilburn, activities begin at 5:30 on July 4 at Lilburn City Park. There will be a variety of food, children’s activities, music and lastly, of course, fireworks. Performing at 7:30 p.m. will be The Breakfast Club ‘80s tribute band. Fireworks begin approximately at 9:30 p.m.
Snellville
Snellville’s Fourth of July activities revolve around its Towne Green. They start at 4 p.m. and last until the fireworks around 9:30 p.m. There will be a cake walk, watermelon eating contest, a blood drive, and entertainment. A water slide, inflatables, train rides, bungee jump and of course, plenty of music and food vendors all during the afternoon and night.
Kriss Johnson will begin activities with the National Anthem, and sing God Bless America just before the fireworks God Bless America. Bands to play include Rhythm Nation and the Stephen Lee Band. For more details, visit www.SnellvilleEvents.com.
Berkeley Lake
The City of Berkeley Lake plans a traditional Fourth of July parade, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Elementary School, and continuing to the chapel in front of City Hall. A big city picnic will be held there after the parade.
Auburn
In Auburn, their Fourth celebration will be July 1, with a festival in the downtown area beginning at 5 p.m. There will be activities, including bounce houses, food trucks and music. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill plans its Independence Day fireworks show, “Sparks in the Park,” on July 3 at E.E. Robinson Park on Level Creek Road. Activities begin at 6 p.m., and are anticipated to close about 10 p.m., after the fireworks show.
Event attractions will include inflatables, concessions and food trucks. There will also be live music to accompany the firework show provided by the cover band Electric Avenue. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and food; however, please leave pets and glass containers at home.
“Sparks in the Park” has taken place annually for the past 15 years and has become one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer, attracting around 10,000 people each year.
Loganville
Loganville will kick off its Fourth of July on Saturday, July 1, with a parade at 4:30 down Main Street. Fireworks will begin about dusk near the American Legion hall. Best place to see the fireworks in Loganville will any place between the Ingles and Kroger food stores.
There are no public events or fireworks for the Fourth of July in Peachtree Corners, Dacula, Grayson, Buford, Rest Haven or Suwanee.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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