Independence Day celebrations abound in Houston County

Joe Nichols, the 2003 winner of the Academy of Country Music award for New Male Vocalist of the Year, is headed to Georgia to headline the Independence Day Celebration on July 1 in Warner Robins. Nichols has been in the entertainment industry since 1996 and is well known for his songs “Sunny and 75,” “Brokenheartsville,” “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” and “Yeah.” He has been nominated for Grammy awards for Best Country Album and for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.

The special guest appearing with Nichols will be vocalist Colby Dee, who has appeared in music videos with Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton and several other singers. She has performed on stage with Brett Eldridge, Kelsea Ballerini, Jana Kramer and Old Dominion. Although now living in Nashville, Tennessee, Dee considers Warner Robins home where many of her family still live.

Following the concert at dusk, a fireworks show will light up the sky in what is anticipated to be the longest show in the 34-year history of the family event. Bring lawn chairs and blankets (there are no bleachers) to enjoy the concert, fireworks and delicious food in the great outdoor open space.

Celebration activities begin at 6 p.m. at the McConnell-Talbert Stadium parking lot, and are free open to the public. Parking, including handicapped parking, will be in various locations along Davis Drive and the surrounding venue site. Closer to the event date, a site map will be posted on www.warnerrobinsvisitorscenter.com.

Vendor information, including the agreement, vendor regulations and Serve Safe guidelines for food vendors, is already posted at the site, or you may call Jana Byrd at 478-302-5360 to learn more about vendor opportunities. The signed application deadline is June 17, 2017, and must be accompanied by a copy of insurance and payment in full.

Centerville will host its patriotic third annual Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, June 30, from 6-9:30 p.m. at City Hall, 300 E. Church St. Activities include music by A2Z Band, a Kid Zone play area and food vendors. The family event is free and open to the public. For complete details of the event, call Krista Bedingfield at 478-953-4734.

And finally, kicking off the weeklong local celebrations of military and hometown heroes in Houston County is the 2016 Perry Independence Parade and Freedom Fireworks on Sunday, June 26. The event is sponsored by the Perry Chamber of Commerce and Cumulus Broadcasting. Visit www.perrygachamber.com or call 478-987-1234 for more details.

All of the Independence Day celebrations in Houston County prohibit alcohol, pets and personal fireworks.

This story was originally published May 8, 2016 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Independence Day celebrations abound in Houston County."