4th of July Celebrations

Atlanta, GA -
If you can't find something to do in Atlanta for the Fourth of July you obviously aren't trying. This city energetically celebrates Independence and does it with Atlanta's signature sense of theater!

There have got to be few sights as visually awesome as fireworks exploding over Atlanta's Stone Mountain.

There have got to be few sights as visually awesome as fireworks exploding over Atlanta's Stone Mountain. Picture it - rising 400 feet into the blackened evening sky, the towering slab of granite suddenly, spectacularly illuminated by a pinwheeling kaleidoscope of color, just as your body vibrates from the pounding thunder of thousands of explosions and your ears ring with the delightful noise. Now THAT'S a fireworks display!

The show is free with park admission, so take the whole family for a full day's fun at one of America's premier state parks, and, as it gets dark, be treated to a fantastic Lasershow. Then watch out, as the fireworks explode above you!

But that's not the only way to celebrate July 4 in Atlanta. The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) is headlining Centennial Olympic Park's 4th of July Celebration on Friday, July 4, 2008. The concert will be led by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Staff Conductor and Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra Music Director Jere Flint, and will feature solo performances by actor Ric Reitz, vocalist Wendy Bennett and string trio True Dixon. The concert includes works by Francis Scott Key, Sousa, Copland and Tchaikovsky. ASYO alumni from every decade will gather to join the current members for this free, family-friendly concert.

The annual festivities in the Park begin early with children's activities from noon – 5 p.m. including arts and crafts, face painting, performances, inflatables, stilt walkers and more! Visitors can also relax on the Great Lawn and cool off in the world famous Fountain of Rings.

Lenox Square is planning a couple of big-fun events for the Fourth. First, watch as 55,000 terribly in-shape runners compete in the Peachtree Road Race 10K.

This is the world's largest 10K road race, and will also host the PRRO Race of Champions.

The Mall of Georgia (30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta) will have fireworks and entertainment.

Atlanta is a world-class city, so you know that's not all of the events planned for the Fourth of July. Here's a quick run-down of a few more:

• Line up on Peachtree Street for an Independence Day Parade in Downtown Atlanta.
• Enjoy a parade, carnival games, arts and crafts, and fireworks at Roswell Town Square.
• Party in the town square with bands and fireworks in Decatur, Georgia.
• Enjoy a delightful display of fireworks at Turner Field.