Independence Day is celebrated annually on the 4^th of July; it is the day that represents the birth of the United States of America, when it became an Independent Nation. July 4^th of 1776 is official day of the Declaration of Independence; it marks the day congress approved the final wording. The Declaration was not celebrated for the first two decades. In the 1790s, the Declaration faced some controversy between two parties. The Democratic-Republicans were for the Declaration of Independence and the Federalists were against it. The Federalists felt the document was too anti-British. The appreciation for the document became apparent, after the War in 1812. The Federalists started to fall apart and there were many other parties that took the same interest as the Democratic-Republicans.

About a century later, Congress finally agreed to make Independence Day a National Holiday in the year of 1870.  Since becoming a holiday, it has evolved into a celebration where people come together, barbeque, appreciate the nation’s flag, and watch stellar fireworks across the country.

In South Georgia, here are some places you can view fireworks near you:

Valdosta Mall

• The Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority is hosting fireworks in the mall area starting at 9:15 p.m. The fireworks can be viewed in between exits 16 and 18 in Valdosta, GA.

JC Adams Municipal Park

• This event is in Douglas, Georgia and gates open at 4 p.m. It features vendors, live entertainment and, of course, fireworks.

Downtown Thomasville

• The July 4^th fireworks and festivities are located in Thomasville. It’s free admission for everyone attending. There will be face painting, watermelon slices, cupcake decorating and etc. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Photography courtesy of: www.lumbertontwp.com