Friday Five: Special Fourth of July Edition
Looking for Chattanooga area Fourth of July celebrations? Check out our top five event picks for food, fireworks and fun!
Sunday, July 3
Pops on the River
When: 5-11:45 p.m.
Where: Coolidge Park, 200 River Street
Cost: Free
Don’t miss this annual celebration of Independence Day which includes a free concert by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Orchestra. The performance, showcasing a spectrum of patriotic and traditional tunes as well as music from some of America's most influential composers, is followed by a fireworks finale over the Tennessee River. Blankets, lawn chairs and picnic basket meals are welcome. A variety of food, beer and non-alcoholic drink concessions will be available on site. Be sure to save your spot early as many people come out for the event. The CSO will begin at 8 p.m., and a fireworks display will begin at 9:45 p.m. For more information visit chattanoogapops.com.
Sunday, July 3
Patriotism at the Post
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: On the polo field next to the 6th Cavalry Museum, 6 Barnhardt Circle, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
Cost: Free
The event will begin with a Patriotic Kids Contest, which will award the children wearing the most red, white and blue with $50 gift certificates (one boy, one girl age 12 or younger). The Tabernacle Big Band will present a patriotic concert and sing-along at 9 p.m., followed by fireworks just after dark. For more information, visit fortotourism.org.
Sunday, July 3
Camp Columbus Fourth of July Celebration
When: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Camp Columbus, 8601 Camp Columbus Road
Cost: Free
At this Fourth of July celebration, there is a playground on site for children as well as a water slide. Two bands, Crossing Lines and Flatlands Jump, will perform before the fireworks show at dark. Concessions will be available. For more information, visit campcolumbustn.com.
Monday, July 4
Creative Discovery Museum Red, White and Blue Day
When: Noon - 4 p.m.
Where: The Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut Street
Cost: Admission is $13.95 for ages 2 through adults (discounts for military personnel and first responders)
The Creative Discovery Museum will host a Red, White and Blue Day with fun and educational programs on the real reason why we celebrate on July 4. Patriotic crafts and activities will run from noon to 4 p.m. At 2 p.m., there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson and Uncle Sam characters, recognition of the military, a balloon drop and child-friendly fireworks inside. At 2:30 p.m., there will be cake, ice cream and a 21 Diet Coke salute to America. For more information, visit cdmfum.org.
Monday, July 4
Freedom Festival
When: 3-11 p.m.
Where: Municipal Park, 638 S. Main St., Lafayette, Ga.
Cost: Free
The Freedom Festival will feature live music by Laney Marks, The Spankys Band, Campbell Station Band and 8TRK Band, as well as concessions and more than 50 vendors. Enjoy free swimming, an Ultimate Frisbee competition and karaoke. The main event is the fireworks, which will begin at 9:45 p.m. For more information, contact LaFayette Parks & Recreation at 706-639-1590.
