Atlanta Celebrates July 4th in Style

Get Your Star-spangled Party Hats, Folks, There's Plenty to Do

Atlanta is expected to live up to its nickname - Hotlanta - this July 4^th. Fireworks shows and activities are planned everywhere as metro Atlantans get ready to celebrate Independence Day.

The annual Peachtree Road Race, a July 4 tradition since 1970, will kick off at Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead. An estimated 55,000 runners from all over the world are expected to participate. After the race, celebrants will gather that night to watch the fireworks.  

The annual Salute to America Parade will wind its way through downtown Atlanta and end at Centennial Olympic Park. It's the perfect place for a picnic and a splash in the fountain before the live music begins. Later, the professional fireworks display will illuminate the Atlanta skyline.

Visit Stone Mountain Park if you like past history mixed with present day patriotism. Before its annual fireworks display, the accompanying laser show after dark is spectacular. The park's main entrance is off exit 8 from U.S. Highway 78 East in Stone Mountain.

The Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers will have its July 4^th celebration with craft vendors, food, amusement rides, face painting and pony rides preceding the fireworks finale. The event is free, and so is parking. For information call the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-602-2606.

Callaway Gardens will have a day-long holiday Surf and Sand event featuring circus performances, beach games and miniature golf, followed by the fireworks over Robin Lake that evening. Activities during the day will include swimming in the lake, paddleboat rides and Iceberg Island, a floating water playground. The Swingin' Medallions will also make an appearance on the beach from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Dunwoody is planning its Fourth of July Parade, which will feature bands, floats, clowns, animal units and local celebrities. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. from the Mount Vernon Shopping Center, proceeds west down Mount Vernon Road for about two miles and ends on Dunwoody Village Parkway. For information call 404-250-9938.