Here’s a summary of Decatur’s 4th of July plans from the Decatur Minute.  What are the odds of dry weather this year?

We are looking forward to celebrating Independence Day in Decatur.  Decorate your bike, wagon, or scooter-dress up in a silly costume, or go big and create a patriotic float to be a part of our annual community parade- the Pied Piper Parade!

Have a kazoo band? Come join us!  Play the tuba? Come join us! The more the merrier.  Line-up is at 5:30pm on Friday, July 4^th at the Decatur First Baptist Church.  Pedestrians gather on the lawn and vehicles will be lined up by volunteers in the parking lot.

Concert on the square features Callanwolde Concert Band. Parade 6 p.m.; Concert 7 p.m.; Fireworks at dark.

Photo courtesy of Kevin

A couple of commission meetings back, the commission voted to close city offices on Friday, July 5th at the recommendation of City Manager Peggy Merriss.  This change to the trash pickup schedule, I’m guessing, is a result of that decision.  It’s also mentioned on The Decatur Minute blog. Here’s a note sent around by the city’s Lena Stevens that summarizes things nicely…

The schedule for trash, recycling, and yard waste pick up has been changed for the July 4^th Holiday.  If your normal services are scheduled on either Thursday, July 4^th or Friday, July 5^th, your pick up date has been moved to Wednesday, July 3^rd.  If you are unsure of your normal service date, you may check our online collection schedule map.

Set out time will remain the same.  Please have all garbage, trash, recyclables, or yard trimmings set out for collection by 7:30am.

Please help spread the word to make sure your friends and neighbors know about the change.  Questions about waste collection or recycling can be directed to the Public Works Department, , or send an e-mail to Sean Woodson, Sanitation Superintendent at [email protected] .

Walking the streets the evening of 4th of July is always an interesting study in Decatur.  People milling about and tucked into corners  that are usually void of any life.  The 315 pocket park?  Crammed with residents.  Cafe Lily’s cracked parking spots?  An outdoor 4th celebration. A closed Ponce?  Playing host to a family with a Frisbee, a skateboarding youngster, kids on bikes, and a couple sitting on a blanket where folks usually park there cars.

I could go on.  Go on and detail how I thought about the idea posted here to close Ponce on the weekend and whether it would help or hurt the city.  How there were thousands of people congregating on the Square for little more than a little music and a fireworks show.

But what I really wondered was, where is the best place to watch the fireworks in Decatur?  Is it in a churchyard?  A parking lot?  Atop one of the condos?  Where do you watch and why?

From the city’s website…

Join Decatur’s July 4th Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown Decatur. Decorate your wagon, ride your bike, skate, or walk in this event.

The City Commissioners will lead the parade in the mini-firetruck. Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged 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.

For information call 404-371-8386 or email [email protected] . For 24-hour information call the Decatur Events Hotline, 404-371-8262, or check this website.

>Parade guidelines and registration form (PDF)

Also checkout the city’s sidewalk sale all weekend long. See the list of participants HERE. [h/t: DecaturMom]  UPDATE: Jeff at Whit’s End notes that he will also be participating in this weekend’s sidewalk sale even though he didn’t make the city’s brochure.  He also will be participating in the Decatur Green Bag program, once the reusable bags are given out this month.