How to celebrate the 4th of July, southwest Georgia style

Correction: The 4th of July Celebration at Sportsman’s Club is a private event.

ALBANY — An array of celebrations will be available to southwest Georgians beginning as early as Friday as they get ready to commemorate Independence Day on the 4th of July next week.

AAA predicts record-breaking travel over the week of the Fourth with numbers far exceeding pre-pandemic numbers. About 71 million travelers are expected to hit the roads, traveling 50 miles or more, according to a AAA news release.

AAA looked at the entire week of July 4, including the Saturday before and Sunday after the holiday. This year’s projected number of travelers for that time period is a 5% increase compared to 2023. AAA projects about 61 million of those travelers will use their cars over the week. The good news is gas prices are lower than last year’s national average of $3.53

Data from INRIX, a provider of transportation information and insights, indicate the worst times to travel by car before and on July 4 are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

While globally, top destinations include oceanside locations in the Pacific Northwest and South Florida, there are a number of local destinations right here in southwest Georgia. Check them out below:

Sylvester Fireworks Celebration

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sylvester Main Street will host an evening of music and dance to celebrate the summer solstice. There will be food trucks. Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m.

Address: 709 W. Wallace St., Sylvester

When: Friday

Cairo’s Independence Day on Main

Cairo Main Street is hosting Cairo’s Independence Day on Main on July 3. The night kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and will feature live music performances from Karisma Brown, an Air Force veteran and rising country music singer, and The Producers, a new-wave and power pop band from Atlanta. At dusk, attendees will be treated to a fireworks display. Entry is free.

Address: 119 N. Broad St., Cairo

When: July 3

4th of July celebration at the Albany Civic Center

The city’s 2024 Independence Day celebration will have live music, fireworks, food and activities for the whole family. The concert begins at 5:30 p.m., and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Address: Albany Civic Center 100 W. Oglethorpe Blvd.

When: July 4

Terrell County 4th of July Celebration

Terrell County’s 4th of July Celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. There will be food trucks, arts & crafts, family-friendly activities and fireworks.

Address: Terrell County High School, 201 Greenwave Blvd. in Dawson

When: July 4

229 Country at Bandwagon Brewing Company in Moultrie

Doors to this 4th of July Celebration in Moultrie open at noon. There will be a pre-BBQ bash before the Independence Day celebration begins at 4 p.m. 229 Country will take the stage for a special performance. Enjoy beers and country tunes until 7 p.m.

Address: Bandwagon Brewing Company, 33 W. Central Ave.

When: July 4

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Sylvester

The church’s annual Independence Day celebration kicks off at 8 p.m. Attendees can enjoy “friendly fellowship,” outdoor games and activities. Organizers recommend bringing your own blankets, towels and lawn chairs.

Address: 105 Doe Hill Rd. Sylvester

When: July 4

City of Bainbridge 4th of July Celebration

Bainbridge invites the public to celebrate Independence Day along the Flint River. The evening at Earle May Boat Basin will include family activities, live music by Maddie & Tae, and the largest fireworks show in southwest Georgia. It’s free to the public.

Address: Earle May Boat Basin, 100 Boat Basin Circle, Bainbridge

When: July 4, 5-9 p.m.

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