Archived News

Decatur Pied Piper Parade. Photo by John Hewitt

On Sunday, July 4, America celebrates its 234th birthday and festivities all across the country will mark the occasion. Here in DeKalb County communities are finding their own ways to celebrate. Here are some of the events at which DeKalb folks will be saying, “Happy Independence Day, America!”

The Clarkston bicycle parade

The city of Clarkston invites all families and residents to the annual Fourth of July Bicycle Parade which will be held on Sunday, July 4, 2 - 4 p.m. Parade participants will meet at city hall and should bring bicycles, scooters, wagons, strollers or other small vehicles decorated in patriotic colors. Participants will parade around city hall while the judges select first-, second- and third-place prize winners in age divisions. This is a free event open to all city of Clarkston residents. Contact Dianne Leonetti, dleonetti@cityofclarkston.com for more information.
 
Fantastic Fourth on Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain Park’s Memorial Lawn remains a favorite place in the metropolitan Atlanta area to view holiday fireworks. Activities at the park, including the new Journey to the Center of the Earth 4-D movie and the Sky Hike, open at 10 a.m. each day. The park’s 42nd annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration will be held July 3-5 this year with the Lasershow Spectacular, followed by a fireworks display, as the climactic event each evening. Vehicle entry to the park is $10 for a one-day permit or $35 for an annual permit. The park is a popular Independence Day destination and gates close when parking capacity is reached. Those who pay the one-day fee on July 4 must pay again if they leave and re-enter the park. For more information, call (770) 498-5690 or visit stonemountainpark.com. 

Parade and concert in Avondale Estates

The city of Avondale Estates is sponsoring a parade and concert on July 3. The event is free and open to the public. The parade starts at 9:15 a.m. with line-up at Avondale High School, 1192 Clarendon Ave., Avondale Estates. At 10 a.m. the parade begins up Clarendon Avenue and ends at the clock tower in downtown Avondale Estates.

At 7:30 p.m. Atlanta Blue Notes will perform at the Gazebo at Lake Avondale on Lakeshore Drive. (Cross streets are Lakeview Place and Wiltshire Drive.) There will be fireworks at Lake Avondale at dusk.

For more information, visit http://avondaleestates.org/events.html or contact City Hall at (404) 294-5400.

Decatur Pied Piper Parade and concert

Decatur’s July 4th Pied Piper Parade will once again wind through downtown Decatur as city commissioners lead a parade of festive cars, trucks, wagons, bikes, skaters and walkers in this event in the mini-fire truck. City officials are encouraging neighborhoods and organizations to make floats and join the fun.

Parade line-up is at the First Baptist Church of Decatur at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6 p.m. It ends at the Community Bandstand on the square with a presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner.

Anyone may participate in the parade but those with vehicles must register by completing the July 4th Pied Piper Parade Guidelines form.

The concert, featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band, begins at 7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand. Fireworks begin at dark (approximately 9 p.m.) and are shot from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck.