Firing up for Independence Day
Holiday celebrations are planned at Ridge Ferry Park and in Cave Spring.
Fireworks aren’t the only thing Romans have to look forward to this Independence Day, as Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation brings the Harbin Clinic Splash Bash and Patriotic Party in the Park back for another memorable Independence Day at Ridge Ferry Park.
The celebration will include water park elements, delicious food, rocking live music and the traditional fireworks show which can be seen from almost anywhere around downtown.
The day will kickoff at 3 p.m. with seven large inflatable water slides and dunking booths, which are all part of the Harbin Clinic Splash Bash. Keeping cool on the water slides comes at
no cost for adults and kids; however, according to Betsy Allgood, recreation manager for RFPR, the dunking booths will charge $1 per throw or six throws for $5. She said that from 3 to 6 p.m., the funds raised will go to the Rome K-9 Unit and from 6 to 8 p.m. funds raised will go to the Rome-Floyd Special Olympics.
Old-fashioned games begin at 6 p.m. and include pie and water melon eating contests, a Hula-Hoop contest, three-legged races and more. Registration will be onsite at Ridge Ferry Park and each contest will be announced as the night goes on. There is no price to enter any contest or race and winners will be given prize packs.
“What would July 4 be without a pie in the face or a fun water slide?” Director of Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Kevin Cowling said.
Live music will fill the park when local alternative rock band Little Known Letter takes the concert stage at Ridge Ferry Park at 8 p.m.
The festivities will reach its peak when fireworks light up the night sky beginning at around 9:45 p.m.
The fireworks show will be orchestrated by Parker Systems.
“We promise it will be the best fireworks show ever seen in the area,” CEO of Parker Systems David Parker said.
The fireworks can be seen from almost anywhere downtown, although many locals gather along the levee outside of Ridge Ferry. When asked where the best place is to go to view the fireworks, Allgood replied, “Well, Ridge Ferry Park of course.”
Cave Spring will be having their Independence Day parade at 9 a.m. in downtown Cave Spring. Before and during the parade bystanders will have the opportunity to purchase various baked goods on the square sold by the nieces and nephews
of local attorney Chris Jackson. The young bakers will provide all sorts of goodies and are raising money for the Rome Sexual Assault Center’s major fundraiser, the Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge, which their uncle will be participating in on Aug. 5 at the City Auditorium. Baked goods will include
homemade cookies, brownies, cakes, cheese straws and even sour dough bread — while supplies last.
Also happening on Tuesday, the Rome Braves will have a fireworks display of their own following their 7 p.m. home game against the Greenville Drive at State Mutual Stadium.