By Joseph M. Morgan
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.— There will be plenty to do in DeKalb County over the next few days as a number of communities prepare for Independence Day celebrations.
Collinsville Healthcare and Rehab hosted a fireworks show for the entire community on Thursday night with live music from local band Still Kickin’.
The city of Fort Payne’s annual Independence Day Celebration will take place on Friday, July 1 at the Fort Payne Sports Complex. Hundreds attend the popular event each year for an evening of free food, fun and entertainment. The city will open the gates to the public at 5 p.m.
Complimentary popcorn, peanuts, and soft drinks are served to those in attendance and other vendors will also be selling food and drinks.
Fort Payne Mayor Larry Chesser and the City Council will kick off the event at 6 p.m., followed by live musical performances Russell Gulley Band, Dr. Rob Bouchard and Curtis Strange. The annual fireworks show presented each year by the Fort Payne Fire Department (FPFD) is considered by many to be the best fireworks show in DeKalb County and the entire region. FPFD will kick off the fireworks display at 9 p.m.
On Saturday, July 2 DeSoto State Park will host their annual Independence Day Celebration. DeSoto’s star-spangled celebration with a parade, a homemade ice cream social, and a flag making contest. The Independence Day Parade begins at 3 p.m. on Saturday at DeSoto’s Lodge and makes its way to DeSoto’s Campground, just in time for the Homemade Ice Cream Social in the Campground Pavilion at 4 p.m. Following the Ice Cream Social from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. will be a pool party at DeSoto’s olympic-size pool, followed by more ice cream and the outdoor screening of a family-friendly film.
Also on Saturday, July 2 the town of Crossville will host the Crosville Stars and Stripes Celebration. The Independence Day Celebration will take place at the Crossville City Park and will include food, games, live music and a fireworks display. The Crossville Stars and Stripes Celebration kicks off Saturday at 4 p.m.
Finally, on Monday, July 4 the town of Henagar will hold what is traditionally the largest Independence Day celebration in DeKalb County—the Sand Mountain Potato Festival, held at Henagar Town Park and kicking off at 10 a.m. This year’s event celebrates the 33rd Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival. Each year people from all over Alabama and throughout the Southeast come to Henagar to celebrate and preserve our nation’s independence and the precious local heritage with an all-day event of live music, pony rides, arts and crafts, entertainment, games and fireworks, vendors, children’s games and inflatables, and more.
The festival hosts a day of live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, entertainment and games. The all-day event begins at 10 a.m. and the end of the festival is marked each year by a large fireworks display.
