How to Spend the Fourth of July in Alabama

Celebrating our nation's birthday means fireworks, cookouts, parades and pageants. If you're looking for special ways to spend the Fourth of July in Alabama, read on.

Things You'll Need

• Decorated tricycles or baby carriages for the Sheffield parade
• Blankets and lawn chairs
• Snacks and drinks

Instructions

1. Start your day off with a boat parade in Alexander City. The 17th annual Fourth of July Flag Boat Parade leaves Kowaliga Marina at 9 a.m. and circles the lighthouse before heading back to the Marina.

2. Show your spirit of independence by participating in a parade. Many, like the one in Sheffield, encourage town residents to march along, and some even award prizes for decorated tricycles and baby carriages.

3. Attend the all-day birthday party known as the Fourth of July Festival. The Valley Community Center in Valley throws one each year that features camping, swimming, a horseshoe tournament, entertainment, barbecue and children's activities.

4. Enjoy a day of arts and crafts, live music, entertainment and fireworks at the 25th Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival in Henagar.

5. See the fireworks at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan your day in advance to make sure that you have tickets for events that require admission or that have limited seating.

• Bring plenty of snacks and drinks for the kids if you're attending a day-long outdoor celebration.

• Pack sunblock-July is prime sunburn season in Alabama.