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!

Drone Flying Over Decatur Fireworks from Matt Sloane on Vimeo.

Some of you asked about a drone flying over the Decatur fireworks last Friday.  Well, here’s the video!  Amazing angles.

From Decatur’s website – accept no alternatives!…

4th of July Fireworks will be made up following the Concert on the Square on Saturday, September 28th. Local talent, Roxie Watson, will play on the bandstand starting at 7:00pm. Fireworks will take place at the conclusion of the concert, around 9:15 or 9:30. For more information, contact Katie Abel [email protected]  404-371-8386.

Brooke sent in a note wondering if the fireworks might start a bit earlier since sunset is at around 7:30p, but based on the note above it doesn’t sound like it.

Kevin sends in this great photo of Decatur Square from the third floor window of The Square Pub.

Oktoberfest with a hint of 4th of July!  Can’t be beat, IMO.

Here’s your unofficial reminder that this Saturday night between 9:15p-9:30p, Decatur will launch its massive horde of rained out 4th of July fireworks from the DeKalb County parking deck downtown right after the Concert on the Square (which starts at 7:30p).

Don’t believe me?  Here’s the link!

From the Decatur Minute…

The July 4th fireworks were rained out last night. We had hoped that last rain would clear out around 9:15 but instead the lightning came and we were forced to cancel the fireworks.

Our rain date is Saturday, September 24 immediately after the last Concert on the Square at dark. The concert ends at 9:30 p.m. and the fireworks will go off some time between 9:15 and 9:30. We will put out a reminder closer to the time.

Thanks for your patience and to those of you who braved the rain up until the last minute, thanks for your support!

From Interim Assistant Director of Active Living Cheryl Burnette…

The City of Decatur will celebrate the 4th of July with a community celebration.

• 6pm Pied Piper Parade, begins at the First Baptist Church at the corner of Commerce and Clairemont Ave.
• 7pm Callanwolde Concert Band performs at the Bandstand on the Old Courthouse Square
• Dark (approximately 9:20pm) Fireworks will be shot from the top of the DeKalb County Parking deck.

Roads downtown will be closed for fireworks fallout following the parade. Roads include Ponce de Leon between Commerce Drive and Church Street, Commerce Drive from Clairemont to southern end of Allen Wilson Terrace, W Trinity Place from the western end of the Maloof Building to Church Street and N McDonough from the Square south to Maple Street.

Fireworks fallout?  Sounds dangerous! 😉