Fourth of July celebrations rev up Thursday night

From Philadelphia to Boston, patriots celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1777, sending bright “illuminations” skyward.

Historical accounts show that a cannon was fired 13 times to commemorate the 13 original colonies.

The Fourth of July celebratory tradition has evolved, of course, and it will be evident all across Middle Georgia skies in the coming days, beginning Thursday night.

July Fourth festivities begin in Centerville with a concert by A2Z starting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the City Hall on Church Street, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.

On Friday, Warner Robins will host the city’s 34th annual Independence Day Concert at McConnell-Talbert Stadium. It’s headlined by Joe Nichols and Colby Dee. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the free concert. Entrance gates will be at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, South Davis Drive and from the South Davis Drive pedestrian bridge, according to Warner Robins police.

Demon Valley Drive will be closed to traffic starting at 3 p.m. Firearms, alcohol, coolers (except for medical purposes), pets, outside food and drink, large umbrellas and tents will not be allowed.

The Milledgeville Mall, 2400 N. Columbia St. in Milledgeville, will host a fireworks show at dark Saturday.

Monroe County’s Recreation Department will have a fireworks show from 9:30-11 p.m. Sunday.

In Macon, Sparks Over the Park will be back for the 22nd annual fireworks show Monday. Festivities begin at Lake Tobesofkee’s Sandy Beach Water Park at 10 a.m. and continue at the Sandy Beach pavilion with a concert by The Loose Skrews at 6 p.m. after the water park closes.

The fireworks show will begin about 9:15 p.m. Gates to the park will close at 8 p.m. A $3 admission fee will be charged for anyone over age 6. Alcohol and glass bottles aren’t allowed into the parks.

This story was originally published June 29, 2016 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Fourth of July celebrations rev up Thursday night."