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Fourth of July festivities planned in Decatur, Avondale Estates, Druid Hills

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Fourth of July festivities planned in Decatur, Avondale Estates, Druid Hills

Photo from the 2014 Avondale Estates Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Dan Whisennhunt
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Photo from the 2014 Avondale Estates Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Dan Whisennhunt

Photo from the 2014 Avondale Estates Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Dan Whisennhunt

By Mary Margaret Stewart, contributor

Avondale Estates, Decautr and Druid Hills are getting ready to celebrate Independence Day on Monday, July 4.

The city of Avondale Estates is gearing up for its must-see Fourth of July Parade.

Avondale’s City Hall writes: “From costumed characters, boisterous bands, and red, white, and blue residents floating and gloating down Clarendon Avenue, to the epic fireworks display over the lake at night, this year will be a blast!”

Clarendon Avenue will be closed for the duration of the hour-long parade from Columbia Drive to South Avondale Road.

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The Jugtime Ragband, “an early New Orleans sound,” will perform in the parade, covering well-known patriotic songs. To strut alongside Jugtime, A drum corps, bagpipers and the Avondale Tidal Waves will strut alongside the band.

All are welcomed to join the parade – whether you want to sashay down Clarendon in a costume, drive your antique or music car in the line or walk with friends and family.

People are encouraged to engage in the parade in other ways, too. The city is asking creative minds to take on the challenge of building a float to show off on the Fourth.

To participate in the parade, email Debbie Revzin at [email protected].

Volunteers are needed for the parade festivities, too. Show up at 8 a.m., July 4th at DeKalb School of the Arts, located at 1192 Clarendon Avenue, to help. All levels of experience and skill are appreciated. Volunteers are needed to pump up helium balloons, hand out items, guide traffic and line up paraders.

The volunteer advertisement guarantees that “if you help out in the morning, there is still plenty of time to participate in the parade or head home to watch it.”

Interested in volunteering? Call Karen Holmes at 404-294-5400.

If festivity-goers don’t want to march, spectators can start saving spots on Lake Avondale’s lawn for a fireworks display.

Here is City of Avondale’s Fourth of July schedule:

– 9:15 a.m.: Parade lineup at DeKalb School of the Arts, 1192 Clarendon Avenue

– 10 a.m.: Parade begins, heading north on Clarendon Avenue

– 11 a.m.: Parade ends but don’t go too far!

– 5 p.m.: Boy Scout Troop #6 will sell hot dogs, drinks, and snacks by the lake

– 7:30 p.m.: Music at the lake

– Dusk: Fireworks by the lake!

The City of Decatur’s Independence Day celebration will take off at 6 p.m., starting with the Pied Piper Parade downtown.

“Parade lineup is at 5:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave,” the  city’s website says.

Spectators are invited to watch the parade file through the city, and anyone who wants to march along is encouraged to “decorate a bike, stroller, wagon, or scooter and join the fun.”

After an hour of parading, the Callanwolde Concert Band will perform at 7 p.m. at the Community Bandstand. As 2016’s sponsor, XFINITY is providing activities for all ages while music plays.

After the sun sets, the fireworks show will commence.

The announcement says, “Ooh and aah at the spectacular fireworks launched from the top of the DeKalb County parking garage. It’s free fun for the whole family. We can’t wait to see you there!”

The Druid Hills Neighborhood will continue its 40-year fourth tradition. A parade starts at 11 a.m. on the corner of Oakdale Road and the Byway.

The parade circles back around to Oakdale, filing on Springdale and North Decatur Road along the way. Afterwards, watermelon and lemonade will be served.

The Druid Hills Civic Association says, “Bring a musical instrument and dress yourselves, your children, pets, bikes, strollers and wagons in patriotic gear.”

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