The Fourth

of July is a time to celebrate America's independence and this year, as

the country remains united after the events of Sept. 11 and the war against

terrorism, the festivities will be a little more patriotic than years

past. Both Peachtree City and Newnan will have celebrations on July 4,

bring the community together.

Newnan will

celebrate the Fourth of July on July 4. The celebration begins with a

parade through downtown at 6 p.m. The party then moves to Drake Stadium

at Newnan High School where there will be entertainment and food leading

up to a fireworks display.

Peachtree City's

festivities start with a parade at 9 a.m. The parade starts at Booth Middle

School, crosses Ga. Hwy 54 and proceeds up Flat Creek Trail. The Recreation

Department has chosen to honor those individuals in our community who

constantly put their lives on the line and are our homeland defense. A

representative from the Fire Department and the Police Department will

serve as an ambassador from these two fine departments and will ride as

Grand Marshals in the 4th of July parade.

Paul Talbott

is a Volunteer Firefighter with the Peachtree City Fire Department. Talbott

has served with the department since 1974. He was one of the first persons

in the department to complete Emergency Medical Technician training. He

is a hazardous materials operations responder. He has been and remains

instrumental in researching, compiling and coordinating specifications

for department fire apparatus, including Engine 81 and Tower 8.

Corporal Christopher

Lackey joined the Peachtree City Police Department in November, 1992 as

a patrol officer. He is presently a corporal in the patrol division and

is also a field-training officer responsible for training new officers

who are hired by the Police Department after they graduate from the Police

Academy. Lackey was selected to represent the Police Department because

of his dedication to the profession and his commitment to the citizens

of Peachtree City.

"Our department

is proud to honor all of the individuals in these departments who serve

this community every day and we thank them for their dedication and service

they provide to us," said Susan Taylor, Parade Coordinator. "These

people are our first line of defense in case of emergency."

Also featured

in the parade this year will be members of the Classical Dance Theatre

performing a "Stars and Stripes" piece originally choreographed

for the school's spring recital.

After the parade,

the Peachtree City Fire Department will hold their annual expo at Drake

Field at 3 p.m. They will give an equipment demonstration featuring several

of their trucks, including their ladder/rescue truck. They will also give

a demonstration of how the "Jaws of Life" work. After the demonstration

they will put on their annual water battle at 4 p.m.

At 7 p.m.,

the Peachtree City Wind Ensemble and Community band will perform at City

Hall Plaza at 7 p.m. After their concert a fireworks display will start

at around 9:30 p.m.

The following

day will feature the Swingin' Medallions at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater.

However, tickets for the annual show are sold out. The gates will open

at 7 p.m. and the band will take the stage at 8 p.m.

Back

to the Top of the Page