Staff Reports
MOULTRIE — Moultrie residents will be able to kick off their Fourth of July weekend this year with a walk on the square and finish with a bang.
Organizer Jim Soos said the second annual Independence Day Celebration parade will take place on Friday, July 3. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and will wrap around the courthouse square. Those participating in the parade are asked to line up at the lot on Second Avenue Southeast and Third Street Southeast, between Flowers By Barrett and Bridge’s Florist at 5:30 p.m.
Jana Duncan will be singing the national anthem to kick off the festivities, Soos said. Catie Ulakovits, a 7-year-old participant in a recent Moultrie-Colquitt County Library talent show, will be singing “America the Beautiful.”
Children’s librarian Norma McKellar will serve as this year’s grand marshall, and Soos said more than 130 children took part last year and that “this year we hope for over 200.” Prizes will be awarded for the best costume, best decorated bicycle, best decorated tricycle, best decorated wagon and best costumed pets. Four of the six Spring Fling queens will also be marching in the parade.
Once the parade is complete, Soos said entertainment and award presentations will begin at Lewis Hill Amphitheater, and winners will receive one of about 40 downtown merchant gift certificates. State FFA officer Keaton Griner will be speaking about what patriotism means to her, and Jane Tomlinson, regent of the John Benning Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, will give brief history of the Pledge of Allegiance. The program will conclude with the DAR placing a wreath at the eternal fame and Johnny Shiver playing taps.
“Bring your lawn chairs and come make an enjoyable evening,” Soos said.
For those wanting to continue to celebrate America’s 233rd birthday, Reed Bingham State Park will have a variety of festivities throughout the day Saturday, July 4. Park Manager Chet Powell said events will be taking place throughout the day at the park, starting with an introduction to kayaking class at the swimming area from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
There is no charge to take part in the course, and Powell said all kayaks, life jackets and equipment will be furnished. Space is limited, however, so anyone interested will need to contact the park at 896-3551 to register. All park guests will also have to purchase a $5 parking pass, and no through traffic will be permitted.
Pontoon boat rides around the lake will be available throughout the day for anyone wanting to see the wildlife at the park, Powell said. There is a $3 charge per adult and $2 charge per child to take the ride, however.
Activities will pick up around the park following lunch time, as Powell said there will be live music at the beach pavilion and a wildlife program at 2 p.m. A watermelon eating contest will be held at the beach pavilion at 5:30, and the Busy Bee Express and a carousel will be available to ride.
Space is still available for anyone who would like to participate in the live music during the celebration, Powell said. For more information or to sign up, contact Interpretive Ranger Jennifer Glover at the park.
Powell said the celebration will conclude with a fireworks show starting at dark, approximately 9:30 p.m. Powell encouraged people to be courteous and remain at the park while the fireworks show is taking place, and he thinks this year’s show is one no one will want to miss.
“People will want to stay and see it,” Powell said. “It won’t be like anything they’ve ever seen here before.”
Park visitors are encouraged to arrive at the park as early as possible for the best available parking, Powell said. Campground and picnic areas have all been rented out, but there are limited picnic tables available on a first come, first serve basis.
“To avoid any lines,” Powell said, “the earlier people come, the better.”
The park’s lake will be open for boaters, but Powell said rangers will be strictly enforcing boating rules. Alcohol is also not permitted on park grounds or on boats at any time throughout the day.
