Published: June 30, 2009 09:36 pm      

Fourth of July events abound in Athens

The 4th annual Freedom Fest ‘09 and 13th annual Bradley Street Parade are scheduled for this weekend

For some the Fourth of July means freedom, for some just fun.

But whatever your motivation there’ll be plenty of opportunity to celebrate in the area this weekend.

On Friday night, Life Fellowship will host the fourth annual Freedom Fest ‘09. The church is located at the cornier of U. S. Highway 175W and County Road 3918, two miles past Loop 7 on the right. The gates will open at 5 p.m. and close well after dark.

“We started the first year with 75, the second year 150 and 350 last year,” Pastor of Discipleship David Jordan said. “We’re expecting over 600 folks this year.”

Those who come out will have plenty of chances to slip, slide and bounce. Jordan said they’ll be setting up eight games for children, including a water slide, three bounce houses, a dunking booth, a hoop shoot and more. There’ll be contests and prizes, Jordan said.

The Life Fellowship praise team will perform during the evening.

There’s no charge to attend the event. The games, concert and snow cones are also free.

Food will be available for purchase. They’ll top it all off with bang-up fireworks show, Jordan said.

“I think it’s second to none in our community,” Jordan said. “We’ve got the biggest fireworks you can use without a license.”

Jordan credits Pastor Mark Allen with pulling the fireworks together. He’s kind of like the pyrotechnic pastor.

Fireworks will be flying out of four different stations, Jordan said. There won’t be a stopdown during the 28-minute show.

“Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the show,” he said.

An Athens neighborhood repeats its own little Independence Day tradition Saturday when the Bradley Street Parade begins Saturday.

Athens High School teacher Rita Curington sponsors the Bradley Street bash. This will be the 13th year for the aggregation of ­­ flags and bicycles. You can march or sit along the route and watch.

“I started the parade when my oldest grandson was born,” Curington said, “and now I have seven grandchildren.”

They’ll begin at 10 a.m., in the circle at the end of Bradley Street.

After the parade, special music will be played to salute the veterans who helped preserve our freedom, she said.

Hot dogs and ice cream will be available for lunch.

Curington invites those who attend to bring a favorite snack, dessert or holiday dish.