Don’t overlook small towns’ Fourth of July fireworks

Independence Day is almost here. Do you know where you’ll be watching the fireworks? I’m a huge fireworks fan, especially on the 4^th of July. However, truth be told, I’ll pull over and stop to watch a couple of amateurs fire off a bottle rocket in a cul de sac any day of the year.

Well before the Fourth, I make my fireworks plan. Wherever we may be on Independence Day, I want to know exactly where to view the fireworks when the sun goes down. When we lived in Washington, DC, we would watch the massive display on the National Mall from the steps of the U.S. Senate with countless other onlookers.

Some years, we have gone into Atlanta to watch the impressive shows put on at Lenox and Centennial Park. Others, we have watched the fireworks light the sky from the middle of Lake Oconee. When our children were very small, we would settle for the neighborhood cul de sac displays or even broadcasts of the Washington fireworks we once watched in person.

Each of those celebrations – the big and the small — make July 4^th special; but perhaps my favorites have been the small-town festivities we have attended. Every year, communities throughout the South cap day-long celebrations with a light show that inspires patriotism in those who watch. While not as long or flashy as the well-choreographed big city programs, the intimacy of being in a smaller crowd is part of the appeal when the fireworks burst across the night sky.

The AJC has a good list of places to see spectacular fireworks this year. If you’re looking to get away from the major crowds and spend the day in a small-town way, here are a few options to consider.

* Get a jump on Fourth festivities with Gatlinburg, Tenn.’s 34^th annual Midnight Independence Day Parade. More than 100 entries – from floats and balloons to marching bands and members of the Armed Services – will start the first July 4^th parade in the nation at 12 a.m. (Friday night/Saturday morning). The next day, enjoy the city’s River Raft Regatta while you wait for the fireworks to begin.

* Head south to St. Marys, Ga., on the coast along the Florida border, for their annual Kiwanis Club July 4^th festival. The event begins at 9 a.m. with two road races, a dog show and a parade. Entertainment, food, arts and crafts will be on display throughout the day along Osborne Street in downtown St. Marys. Enjoy the street dance before settling in for the fireworks show at nightfall.

* Check out the Red, White and Blue on the Green celebration in Summerville, SC, northwest of Charleston. Indulge in old-fashioned fun on the Summerville square, such as patriotic face painting, games, contests, parade and of course, hot dogs and apple pie. Then sit back and watch the fireworks light up the sky.

* If you don’t want to stray too far from town, head up I-85 Braselton, Ga. for a morning parade through downtown and live music and booths all day at Braselton Park. Fireworks will begin at dusk at Chateau Elan.

Where are you watching the fireworks this 4^th of July? Where are some other good smaller Independence Day escapes?

• Atlanta, be here now. Check out ajc.com/travel