Happy Birthday America!

By Jessica Pope

July 02, 2007 02:01 pm

— On July 4, 1776, the United States of America proclaimed its independence from Great Britain, signing the Declaration of Independence. This year marks the 231st anniversary of that occasion and the birth of a nation known around the world as the land of the free, the home of the brave.
With Independence Day just around the corner, young and old are gearing up for what promises to be a celebration to remember for several years to come. They are dragging out all things red, white and blue and planning family gatherings, picnics, barbecues, parades, fireworks and more.
How will you Celebrate America this year? Below are a few ways some southern state parks, historic sites, and more plan to recognize Independence Day in 2007.

Lapham-Patterson House
Thomasville Ga.
What To Expect: A monument to the imagination, creative engineering and craftsmanship of the Victorian Era, the Lapham-Patterson House Historic Site will host its annual House of a Hundred Flags. This is an outdoor celebration filled with historic speeches, patriotic music, old fashioned refreshments and lots of red, white and blue.
When To Participate: The fun begins at 7 p.m. and continues until 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 1.
How To Get There: From Valdosta, take U.S. 84 west through Quitman to Thomasville. Please note that this highway becomes Smith Avenue. Make a right turn onto Dawson Street. The large, yellow house sits at 626 North Dawson Street.
Even More Details: Offered free of charge. Call (229) 225-4004 for any additional information.

Recreation, Parks and Community Affairs
Valdosta, Ga.
What To Expect: All ages are sure to delight in the Valdosta-Lowndes County Recreation, Parks and Community Affairs Department’s annual bright and colorful fireworks display. The approximately 45-minute show promises to light up the evening sky and the faces of all who watch it.
When To Participate: The fireworks display will kick off just after sunset on Wednesday, July 4.
Where To Gather: The fireworks, which will be launched from Martin Stadium on the campus of Lowndes High School, can best be viewed from the parking lots of Colonial Mall Valdosta and various other surrounding businesses.
Even More Details: Show provided free of charge. Call (229) 259-3507 for any additional information.

Black Crow Media
Valdosta, Ga.
What To Expect: Black Crow Media will sponsor a day-long, alcohol-free, family-oriented celebration of America featuring a host of games and activities for children, vendors, demonstrations, live musical entertainment and more.
When To Participate: Music and fun will kick off around 4 p.m. and last throughout Valdosta’s and Lowndes County’s fireworks show on Wednesday, July 4.
Where To Gather: The parking lot area next to Goodwill at the corner of North St. Augustine Road and Norman Drive.
Even More Details: The majority, if not all, of the activities are provided free of charge. Individual vendors will set the prices on their items, which will likely include everything from food and drinks to arts and crafts. Coolers will be permitted. Call (229) 244-8642 for any additional information.

Jarrell Plantation
Juliette, Ga.
What To Expect: Hosted by the Jarrell Plantation Historic Site, this Ol’ Time 4th will feature a noon reading of the Declaration of Independence, sack races, 3-legged races, an egg toss, tug-o-war and so much more. Demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills will be ongoing throughout the day.
When To Participate: The fun will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4.
How To Get There: From Valdosta, take Interstate 75 north to exit #171, then take U.S. 23 north to Ga. 18. Look for the signs. The plantation sits at 711 Jarrell Plantation Road.
Even More Details: Admission is $4 for adults, $3.50 for senior citizens ages 62 and older, and $2.50 for children between the ages of 6 and 18. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Call (478) 986-5172 for any additional information.

Georgia Agrirama
Tifton, Ga.
What To Expect: Visitors to Georgia’s Museum of Agriculture & Historic Village will enjoy a variety of games and contests, live entertainment, train rides, a fireworks extravaganza and much more.
When To Participate: Activities begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4. Entertainment at Wiregrass Opry runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The fireworks display can be viewed around 9:30 p.m.
How To Get There: From Valdosta, take Interstate 75 north to exit 63B in Tifton then follow the signs.
Even More Details: Admission is free. Barbecue plates will be available for sale at a cost of $6 each. Call (800) 767-1875 for any additional information.

Photos