July 4 holiday events in Cobb-Marietta; fireworks guidance

The signature event in Cobb County for Independence Day is the parade and Glover Park celebration in the City of Marietta on Monday, but there are plenty of other events around the county and in East Cobb to enjoy the holiday.

In East Cobb, the Mohs family will be setting off “professional quality” fireworks around 9 p.m. or sunset at their home at 465 Shadowlawn Road.

That’s three houses up from the intersection of Paper Mill Road, and you’re asked to park in the parking lot at Sope Creek Elementary School (3320 Paper Mill Road).

They said NO parking will be allowed along Shadowlawn or in the Mohs driveway, but there will be transport via a neighbor’s golf cart between the home and the school parking lot for those needing a lift.

In a NextDoor post(which includes a video of last year’s fireworks), Diana Mohs said attendees are welcome to bring blankets or folding chairs, and can arrive early to take a garden tour and visit the Koi fish pond.

The fireworks should last 30-45 minutes, and kids will get glowsticks. Bottled water and some snacks will be provided.

In Marietta, the Let Freedom Ring Parade begins at 10 a.m. Monday at Roswell Street Baptist Church and continues east on Roswell Street to the Square.

More than 110 entries, 2,000 participants and an estimated 30,000 spectators are expected.

IF YOU’RE GOING: The Marietta Police Department said that roads along the parade route will close 45 minutes before and during the parade, and that roads surrounding the Square will be closed all day.

WHAT’S ON TAP: The Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring free live concerts, arts and crafts show, food and carnival games, followed by fireworks at dark.

Here’s the full schedule:

• 10 a.m. Let Freedom Ring Parade
• 10 a.m.-9:00 p.m Festival – Arts & Crafts, Kid’s Zone, Festival Food, Free Concerts
• 12 p.m. Concert featuring Scott Thompson
• 2 p.m. Bell Ringing Ceremony
• 2:30 p.m. Concert featuring the Atlanta Concert Band
• 7 p.m. Concert featuring Josh Jones
• 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Concert featuring Departure: The Journey Tribute Band

TIGHT PARKING: Police are encouraging attendees to use a ride share because of a limited number of parking spots. The parking lot at First United Methodist Church will be closed due to a state fire parking law, and businesses on and around the Square will be open on their own holiday schedules.

TO PICK UP AND DROP OFF PASSENGERS: You’re asked to use the intersection of Lawrence and Waddell streets.

DON’TS FOR THE DECKS: Fireworks are not allowed on any of the decks around the Square; nor will open alcohol containers or consumption.

MAPS: Here’s a look at downtown Marietta parking availability.

MORE INFO: The city of Marietta has all of the July 4 particulars here.

At The Battery Atlanta, the Atlanta Braves will be playing Monday night at Truist Park against the St. Louis Cardinals, followed by fireworks. First pitch is 7:10 p.m. 

For other July 4 festivities in the county, Travel Cobb has all the details.

If you’re going to try your hand at fireworks, keep in mind the Cobb ordinance about when you can do that, and how to do it safely.

From Cobb Government:

Cobb County Code bans the use of fireworks from 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. This is spelled out in the county’s code under the noise ordinances. Violations are a misdemeanor offense and you can view the noise ordinances by going here: Cobb County Noise Ordinance

Use of fireworks in Cobb County parks
Pyrotechnics are prohibited at ALL county parks per County Ordinance § 90-63.
Sec. 90-63. – Restricted or Prohibited Uses of Park Facilities
1. Pyrotechnics prohibited
It shall be unlawful for any persons to possess, display, use, set off or ignite any firecracker, fireworks, smoke bombs, rockets, or other pyrotechnics.

Exemptions carved in by state law
The state legislature has spelled out several exemptions to county code in O.C.G.A. § 25-10-1 et seq. This allows exemptions to county ordinances for use of fireworks on specific dates and times.

• December 31 (New Year’s Eve) – Fireworks may be discharged until 1 a.m.
• January 1 (New Year’s Day) – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
• On the last Saturday and Sunday in May – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
• July 3 – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
• July 4 – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
• On the first Monday in September – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.

To view the Georgia code section regarding fireworks visit:  O.C.G.A. § 25-10-2

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