Auburn to host Fourth of July celebration

Area residents can expect partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the low 90s, light winds and a 40 percent chance of precipitation as they head out to enjoy Fourth of July events, the National Weather Service says.

“Similar to Sunday in that you have some storms here and there,” said Aaron Gleason, meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Birmingham office.

“The coverage of thunderstorms should be decreasing as the sun sets,” he said. “Right when the fireworks get going, we expect the thunderstorms should start losing their coverage and intensity.”

The meteorologist said most people will be fine, but others may be unlucky and have to delay things for about a half hour.

“This is typical summertime weather for us,” Gleason said.

Everyone can celebrate Independence Day with the entire Auburn community, Auburn Parks and Recreation and Briggs & Stratton Corp. beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, behind the home side of Duck Samford Stadium at the corner of East University Drive and Glenn Avenue.

Attendees can enjoy great food, live country music and free goodies courtesy of Briggs & Stratton along with the best fireworks display in the area.

Briggs & Stratton has provided funding for the fireworks display and goodies since 2000.

Musical entertainment begins at 7 p.m. when The Weston Burt Band, an up-and-coming country group, takes the stage for a free live performance.

Fresh from recording their second album in Nashville, the band is a crowd favorite, combining strong vocals with drums, guitars, the fiddle and banjo.

Admission to this event is free, so just grab a picnic basket, blanket and the family and join the community for a night of entertainment and a chance to show your patriotic spirit.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. In the event of rain, join everyone for the fireworks at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5. 

Visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks to view a map of the event and more information.

LAKE MARTIN

Fireworks will be reflecting on the water after a series of concerts and contests at the Lake Martin Amphitheater in the Kowaliga Bay area.

Musical entertainment begins at 7 p.m. with Martha’s Trouble and continues at 8 p.m. with Hula Hoop and Twist contests, at 8:15 p.m. with Nationwide Coverage and fireworks at 9 p.m.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 with children ages 6 and under free.

Earlier in the day, there will be a July Fourth Boat Parade from 10 to 11 a.m. from Kowaliga Marina to Childrens’ Harbor with boats decorated with flags for an Independence Day theme. Entries will be judged and awards will be given.

For more information, visit www.lmat.org and www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com.

MONTGOMERY

Montgomery’s Fourth of July celebration features the Capitol Sounds Concert Band and the Montgomery Chorale with guest conductor Dr. Johnny Long at the Riverwalk Amphitheater.

The event is lawn seating, so bring your own chairs. Concessions will be available.

There will be several food vendors, the Big Green Bus, the Splashpad, water slide, Captain Hooks pontoon boats and Sea-Doo rentals and Harriott II riverboat mini cruises at 5 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and a fireworks cruise at 8:15 p.m.

The fireworks spectacular over the river will begin immediately following the Montgomery Biscuits baseball game at the Riverfront Amphitheater in downtown Montgomery.

For more information, visit www.montgomeryal.gov.

CALLAWAY GARDENS

Callaway Gardens has a full day of Four of July events, including the Florida State University Flying High performances at 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. EDT; dancing to classic beach music of the Swinging Medallions at 7:30 p.m. FDT; and the patriotic fireworks finale at approximately 9:30 p.m. EDT.

In addition, Robin Lake Beach offers guests a number of activities for a fee, including Aqua Island; Blaster Boats; Light Striker Laser Tag; waterskiing; tubing and lessons; Trapeze Adventure; a rock-climbing wall; spider jump; and the massive Xcelerator waterslide.

A new major attraction at Callaway Gardens is TreeTop Adventure, a course in the tree canopy featuring a combination of aerial challenges and zip lines.

July Fourth admission is $25 for adults; $12.50 for children ages 6 to 12; Children 5 and younger are admitted for free. 

For more information, visit www.callawaygardens.com.