A look at some Fourth of July events in Macon

The Fourth of July this year celebrates the semiquincentennial – or 250th – anniversary of the country’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence. 

Starting the celebration early on Saturday, Macon’s Ingleside neighborhood will host its fifth annual Fourth of July parade.

The procession, which starts at 10 a.m., will form almost an “S” shape, starting on Riverdale Drive, moving over to Overlook Drive, down Belvedere Drive, over Ridge Avenue then up Albermarle Place. It finishes back on Riverdale.

At the end, neighborhood resident Eric Gainous said, he and Lorrinda Baldwin will hand out “some cold sweet watermelon and some warm salty peanuts” to paradegoers.

Since reviving the tradition after a 20-year break, the parade has grown from 30 participants its first year to around 120 last year. Many neighborhood residents decorate their houses, golf carts and kids’ bicycles for the parade. Everyone is welcome.

Whether you plan to get together with family and friends, host your own cookout and fireworks show or join the citywide celebrations, there are many ways to mark the country’s milestone.

Events in Macon include:

July 4

29th Annual Sparks over the Park

Lake Tobesofkee will open at 8 a.m., welcoming visitors to Claystone, Arrowhead and Sandy Beach parks for swimming, boating, picnicking and more. Sandy Beach will host live music from The Plum Tuckered band from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The fireworks show will begin at 9:15 p.m. Admission is $3 per person for anyone older than 6. Children 6 and younger get in free.

Macon Bacon: Star Wars theme night and America’s Celebration with Fireworks

The Macon Bacon will host the Florence Flamingos at Luther Williams Field, located on Willie Smokie Glover Drive. Fans are encouraged to dress up as their favorite “Star Wars” character. Fireworks begin at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance online here.

Hot Dog Happy Hour at Fall Line Brewing Co.

At Fall Line, located at 567 Plum Street guests receive a free hot dog with every pint purchased and can be repeated as many times as guests want. 

Tony Tyler’s 4th of July Show

This will be held at Grant’s Lounge at 576 Poplar Street from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $14.25

Fourth of the July Party featuring DJ Steel

DJ Steel will be at The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom from 9:30 to 1 a.m. celebrating America’s 250th with Hip, Pop and Grunge favorites. Anyone 21 and up receive free entry. 

July 5

America 250th Red, White and Blue Golf Tournament hosted by the Veterans Council of Macon-Bibb County

The tournament will be held at Barrington Hall Golf Club at 104 Stoney Creek Drive and will begin at 8:30 a.m. There is an entry fee of $125 per person. The fee for veterans is $100. 

VFW Post 658 Annual Fourth of July Bash

Everyone is welcome to this event that begins at 5 p.m. at 4864 Harrison Road. AJ the DJ will be entertaining from 6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., and there will be a fireworks show after at 9:30 p.m. The cost is $7 at the door, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.