The City of Marietta is the focal point of July 4 public festivities in Cobb County with its “Let Freedom Ring” parade, followed by the “4th In the Park” celebration at the Marietta Square.
More than 100 groups are taking part in the parade, which starts at 10 a.m. Thursday at Roswell Street and Victory Drive. The route continues west along Roswell Street to the Square, then heads up Cherokee Street and ends at the Cobb 911 building on North Marietta Parkway.
Marietta Police said that road closures along the parade route will begin at 9:15 a.m. Spectators are asked not to sit on the walls of the Marietta National Cemetery or stand on headstones.
Here’s the schedule for the rest of the day, also per MPD:
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10:00 AM until 9:00 PM Festival in the park activities (art/craft vendors, food trucks, concession stands, carnival games and kids play areas with large inflatables etc.)
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12:00 Concert featuring Scott Thompson
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2:00pm Bell Ringing Ceremony
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2:30pm Concert featuring The Atlanta Concert Band
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7:00pm Concert Featuring The Tulani
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8:00pm Concert Featuring Savannah Jack
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Dark (somewhere around 9:30 PM) FIREWORKS!
More here from the city’s July 4 website, including a parking map.
Police said the fireworks will be launched from the First United Methodist Church parking lot, which as a result of state law will be unavailable for parking the whole day.
Road surrounding the square also will be closed all day Thursday, although nearby parking decks will be available.
No fireworks can be used on the decks, nor are open alcohol containers and consumption allowed there as wll.
Some other traveling tips from police, given the traffic restrictions:
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Parking will be challenging, especially with the First United Methodist Church parking lot closed. PLEASE CONSIDER USING A RIDE SHARE SERVICE.
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UBER/LYFT drivers will take you anywhere, but the city has DESIGNATED an easy intersection to give YOU quick access with limited walking as well as give the drivers easy access so they can keep moving and minimize your ride costs. PLEASE use the intersection of Lawrence Street and Waddell Street as your drop off and pick up locations.
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It is supposed to be ABOVE normal temperatures, please stay hydrated and plan accordingly.
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Pets can NOT cool off as quickly as you can. PLEASE keep them hydrated and guard against having them standing for too long on hot pavement.
Other nearby communities will be having their own July 4 events, including the City of Roswell, the City of Sandy Springs and the City of Woodstock.
Cobb Travel and Tourism has more options, including celebrations in Acworth, Kennesaw and Six Flags.
For those wishing to set off their own fireworks, Cobb County government sent out a reminder this week that fireworks may be discharged until midnight both Wednesday, July 3, and Thursday, July 4.
Here’s more from the county about when and where you can use fireworks, and other restrictions and safety tips:
Fireworks and other pyrotechnics are prohibited at all county parks. This includes historic sites, recreational areas or state property. It is illegal to use them within 100 yards of an electric plant, water or wastewater treatment plant, gas station, refinery, electric substation, jail, helipad, hospital, nursing home or other health care facility.You must be 18 or older to purchase or ignite fireworks. It is illegal to let young children play with them.
For more information click here.
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