Jackson County celebrates with music, fireworks and community spirit all weekend
Story By Katie Hightower
On July 3, Jackson County began its annual Independence Day festivities at several locations. Not only did local residents celebrate in Hollywood with the Mud Creek Baptist Church, Rosewood Manner brought in an evening of picnic foods, music and fireworks for its residents.
“It’s so exciting to be able to bring the Fourth of July to our residents,” said Ross Petty, Executive Director of Rosewood.
The evening began with a picnic dinner complete with hot dogs and homemade ice cream. Many families joined in the fun and enjoyed dinner with their loved ones. After dinner, residents and families made their way outside to hear Mike Hubler sing old-time tunes. Many sang along and clapped their hands as his music filled the air. Visiting children snuggled with their loved ones and also played Ring Around the Rosie on Rosewood’s grassy lawn. Right after sunset, the residents were treated to a fireworks show. Their eyes lit up and faces smiled as they took in the colorful bright explosions of the fireworks.
On July 4, Goose Pond held its 43rd Annual Independence Day celebration. Thousands of people gathered and tail-gated for the free event. Families and friends claimed their spots of fellowship with blankets, coolers and chairs. Some families made an entire day of the celebration and kids swam in the lake while their parents passed out plates of food for their families. Vendors were available for people who did not bring coolers or their own snacks. People brought corn hole boards and played while they listened to the music of Jess Goggans Band.
Bill Fleming, who played keyboard at the event, said he was looking forward to coming back to Scottsboro for the Get Off the Grid Festival scheduled Aug 23-24 at Goose Pond.
When Daniel Smith took the stage to sing the National Anthem, he encouraged the crowd to sing along with him.
“I’ve been doing this for years and each year, it’s just a privilege to do this. Scottsboro has been wonderful,” said Smith.
As the fireworks shot off the floating dock, the crowd cheered.
On July 5, Downtown Scottsboro held its annual Independence Day celebration. Crowds gathered to see the annual patriotic parade with a band, community organizations and veterans. Later, the crowd was entertained by live music at the courthouse gazebo. BP & The Love Machine played old rock favorites and people sang along as the band jammed. Families sat on lawn chairs and blankets while they enjoyed the fellowship of other Jackson County residents. Children played lawn games and jumped on an inflatable bouncy house underneath the shade of the courthouse’s trees. There were vendors and food trucks set up on the Square for attendees to shop while they enjoyed the festivities.
This year, Jackson County had a full weekend filled with Independence Day festivities. Thousands of people from here and travelers from far away came together in unity to celebrate our Nation.
