Plans continue to solidify for a Fourth of July celebration in Roanoke for the nation’s semiquincentennial birthday. In just over a month the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and Roanoke plans to be a part of the festivities, along with the rest of Randolph County.
Roanoke mayor Adam Melton updated the Roanoke City Council at Monday’s meeting with the progress of the plans. The day is set to include a parade at dusk that will finish at the Roanoke Recreation Center. That will lead local citizens to find seats at Wright Field for what Melton said will be about a half-hour fireworks display at dark.
The use of the Handley High School football stadium has not been officially approved by Roanoke City Schools, but Melton said he is confident the school will cooperate with the plans.
Melton said he is also working on a patriotic program that will include singings, speeches and prayers in between the end of the parade and the start of the fireworks show.
More details and firm start times for the day’s events will be released soon.
Roanoke’s festivities will be one of many that will take place in the county. Wadley is hard at work in preparations for its second 4th-apaloosa event, which will feature a fireworks show at dark and will have multiple events and prize giveaways throughout the day. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
Woodland and Wedowee also traditionally have Fourth of July celebrations.
