Happy 4th Decatur!

On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the thirteen American colonies (Georgia among them!) a new nation – the United States of America – no longer part of the expansive British Empire.  200+ years on, its still something to remember and celebrate!

Of course it wouldn’t be the 4th of July in Atlanta without a bit of rain.  The Decatur Minute says the city will let us know if this evening’s festivities are delayed or cancelled due to the weather.  The city has also posted a list of streets that will be closed this evening around 8pm to “secure the fireworks fallout area”.

Here’s a quick rundown of the official events in Decatur this evening.

• 5:30p – Line up for Pied Piper parade at at Decatur First Baptist Church at 308 Clairemont Avenue. Anyone can participate in the parade.  As the city suggests, you can “Decorate your bicycle, skateboard or wagon and walk, ride, or skate”
• 6p – Parade begins and runs through downtown Decatur
• 7p – Concert – Callanwolde Concert Band concert on Decatur Square
• At dark (usually around 9pm or a bit later) – Fireworks!

Fireworks in Decatur are shot off from the top of the DeKalb County Parking Deck.  Many area churches offer up their lawns for resident viewing.  In previous years, residents have suggested Agnes Scott College, the First Christian Church lawn, and the top of the Wells Fargo parking deck as good places to view the fireworks.  And of course you can always just set up camp on Decatur Square!

Stay dry and enjoy!

From The Decatur Minute…

Decorate your bicycle, skateboard or wagon and walk, ride, or skate in the Pied Piper Parade as it winds through the streets of downtown Decatur.  Line-up begins at 5:30 in the parking lot of Decatur First Baptist Church and steps off at 6:00pm.

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

Click here to download the parade guidelines. We want to see your silliest and most creative decorations!

New this year! Prizes will be awarded for the best “float” and for the best kid’s vehicle (bike, scooter, or wagon) 

Decatur’s fireworks have been pushed back to September.  Avondale has rescheduled for late August.

And we aren’t alone.  It seems like most 4th of July parades and fireworks up and down the eastern seaboard have been cancelled today due to nasty weather and flooding.  So folks all over the U.S. are likely scrambling to schedule alternative plans to celebrate our country’s independence from ol’ King George.

All of this to ask the question “What indoor activities are you planning on today?”

First a bit of less-often quoted Jefferson…

“not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of . . . but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take.”

Then a little John Adams.  (Wish I could publish the actual handwritten letter, but instead I’ll settle for linking to and quoting from it.)

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Then maybe some beat poetry by Lawrence Ferlinghetti…

I am waiting for my case to come up

and I am waiting

for a rebirth of wonder

and I am waiting for someone

to really discover America

and wail

and I am waiting

for the discovery

of a new symbolic western frontier

and I am waiting

for the American Eagle

to really spread its wings

and straighten up and fly right

And finally a little bit of anonymous verse…

I’ve got a rocket

In my pocket;

I cannot stop to play.

Away it goes!

I’ve burned my toes.

It’s Independence Day.

Happy 4th all!

From the City’s Katie Abel…

The City of Decatur has decided to postpone our Independence Day events and celebrations in light of the unfavorable weather forecast for July 4th. But never fear! We will host our Faux Fourth Celebration on Saturday September 28th with a Pied Piper Parade, Concert on the Square, and Fireworks! So just put those red, white, and blue decorations back in the attic for a few months and we’ll see you on the Square in September.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Gary sends in this pic and reports that this tree at the corner of Swanton and Commerce Drive was “collateral damage” after the “small patch of land caught fire during the Decatur July 4th fireworks display.”

Back in the day, we sat on Ponce across from Crescent Moon and watched Decatur’s fireworks.  Boy were we surprised when the ash started raining down!

A Nation’s Strength – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What makes a nation’s pillars high

And it’s foundations strong?

What makes it mighty to defy

The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand

Go down in battle shock;

Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,

Not on abiding rock.

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