Northeast Alabama fired up with Independence Day festivities starting June 30

FORT PAYNE — Several events offering a variety of free family fun are on tap atop Lookout Mountain in celebration of the upcoming Independence Day holiday. The star-studded celebrations begin June 30 and activities range from a flag-making contest and ice cream social to fireworks and a festival centered around potatoes.

The Independence Day celebrations kick off when the city of Fort Payne lights up the night sky with its annual fireworks show. The show is set for 8:45 p.m. June 30 at the Fort Payne Sports Complex, 101 45th Street. There is no charge for admission.

DeSoto State Park offers its annual star-spangled celebration beginning with the Splish and Splash Pool Party set for July 1. From 6:30 to 9 p.m., visitors are invited to cool off in the Olympic-size pool, play pool games and eat homemade ice cream. Admission is $1 per person.

The park invites everyone to put on their creative hats and participate in a flag-making contest. Materials to create the flags and flag-making rules will be available at the campground pavilion in the Improved Campground June 30. Flags can be turned in at DeSoto’s Nature Center to be judged until 9 a.m. July 2.

Hitting the streets at 3 p.m. on July 2 is the Independence Day Parade. The parade route begins at DeSoto State Park’s headquarters and makes its way to DeSoto’s Improved Campground, just in time for the homemade ice cream social at 4 p.m. at the pavilion.

Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and their recipes for homemade ice cream to share. Flag-making contest winners will also be announced at this time.

Also July 2, Valley Head will hold its Centennial Celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held in the Valley Head Town Park, 9551 Alabama 117, with free drinks and free food.

With its roots in potato farming, Henagar pays tribute to its heritage with a free festival  July 4. The Sand Mountain Potato Festival begins with a parade at 10 a.m. and, throughout the day, Henagar Park will be buzzing with activities. Festivities include the annual cornhole tournament, volleyball tournament, antique car show, antique tractor show, and games for the kids along with food vendors offering a variety of potato entrees and side dishes.

Craft beer and food vendors from all over the Southeast bring their wares and specialties to delight the crowd.

Live entertainment includes a mixture of southern gospel, country, bluegrass and modern hits performed by local favorites.

The day-long event concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. All activities are held in Henagar Park, 18200 Alabama 75.

For information on the above events or on additional things to do in Northeast Alabama, visit www.VisitLookoutMountain.com or call DeKalb Tourism at 888-805-4740.