MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama cities from Dothan to Florence and from Daphne to Athens will celebrate Wednesday to mark the United States’ independence.
Fourth of July celebrations include the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s celebration in Huntsville, where fireworks will be shot over the Saturn V rocket. There’s the Celebrate America festival in Greenville and the Spirit of America Festival in Decatur.
Law enforcement officers are gearing up for a busy time on highways over the five-day holiday weekend. Public Safety Director Hugh McCall said troopers would focus on violations that often lead to accidents, like speeding, following too closely and making unsafe lane changes.
“With heightened trooper presence we are working to increase safety on Alabama’s roadways,” McCall said.
McCall also cautioned motorists to buckle their seat belts and be aware of the dangers of distracted driving, such as trying to read or send text messages while driving. Texting while driving will be illegal in Alabama when a new law takes effect on Aug.1.
State forestry officials worry a busy holiday weekend might increase the threat of fires.
“It is very dry in parts of the state, and the tornadoes of 2011 left thousands of acres of downed and damaged trees in their wake … Conditions are such that any fire can quickly spread out of control, threatening lives and property,” said state forester Linda Casey.
While there is not a ban on shooing fireworks or starting campfires on state lands, the forester urged people to have a garden hose or other source of water available.
Alabama residents will have no trouble finding an event to their liking Wednesday.
There are events dedicated to food, such as the Sand Mountain Potato Festival in Henager and the Grand Bay Watermelon Festival.
And there are lots of events Wednesday with patriotic names such as the All-American Celebration at Lake Guntersville, the Patriot’s Association Independence Day Celebration in Gadsden and the Daphne Jubilee Independence Day Fireworks Display. The annual Thunder on the Mountain will fire off at 9 p.m. from the top of Red Mountain in Birmingham.
Finally, what would a celebration of America’s birthday be without a little baseball? In the Southern League, Chattanooga will be at Huntsville at 6:43 p.m. and Mobile at Montgomery at 7:05 p.m.
