Independence Day – the Fourth of July – falls one week from today which will give many of us a long holiday weekend.  With the nation’s birthday falling on a Monday, Independence Day celebrations around Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama will be held starting on Thursday and continuing throughout the weekend.  Check out some of the places you can celebrate America’s Independence below:

Summerville, Georgia – Fourth of July (Monday) 

Summerville’s Celebrate Independence festivities are scheduled 5-10:30 p.m. July 4 at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, 33 Middle School Road. A cornhole tournament is scheduled, free watermelon will be served and free waterslides will be set up 5-9 p.m. The Kevin Allen Band will perform at 8 p.m. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. summervillega.org

Fort Payne, Alabama – June 30th (Thursday) 

The city of Fort Payne will start its annual Independence Day fireworks show at 8:45 p.m. CDT June 30 near the Sports Complex, 100 Alabama Ave. NW. There will be no related events at the complex due to ongoing renovations. fortpayne.org/events

LaFayette, Georgia – July 1st (Friday)

The city of LaFayette’s Freedom Festival begins at 5 p.m. July 1 at the Ross Abney Facility, 252 First St. The evening includes music, children’s activities and food vendors. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. mycityoflafayettega.org

Fort Payne / Mentone Area – June 30th – July 2nd (Thursday-Saturday) 

Independence Day events at DeSoto State Park, 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE, start with a chance to fashion homemade flags from natural materials starting June 30 in the campground pavilion in the Improved Campground. Finished crafts must be turned in for judging by noon July 2 (all times are Central). A Splish & Splash Pool Party, with ice cream and door prizes, is 6:30-9 p.m. July 1. A parade of decorated vehicles starts at 3 p.m. July 2, ending in time for the Ice Cream Social in the Improved Campground at 4 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring a favorite homemade ice cream or other dessert to share. Bring your own seating. All events are free. visitlookoutmountain.com

Ringgold, Georgia – July 2nd (Saturday)

The Catoosa Fireworks Festival will be held July 2 at the Northwest Georgia Amphitheater, 220 Catoosa Circle. A crafts market will be set up at 1 p.m., and live music, food vendors and children’s activities will get going at 5 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled at 9:30 p.m. facebook.com/catoosacountyga

Lake Winnie / Rossville, Georgia – July 2nd (Saturday)

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park, 1730 Lakeview Drive, will end the day with fireworks at 10 p.m. July 2. The park will be open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. SoakYa rides will operate 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Online tickets are $39 for ages 3-59. Tickets for guests ages 1-2 and 60 and older must be purchased at the gate. lakewinnie.com

Rome, Georgia – July 4th (Monday)

This year’s Patriotic Party in Ridge Ferry Park sponsored by Advent Health Redmond celebrates two huge events. Not only does the party finish with a fantastic fireworks display shot from the top of Jackson Hill to celebrate our nation’s birthday, but it also helps celebrate Advent Health Redmond’s 50th birthday of providing amazing medical care for Rome, Floyd County and beyond as well. Park opens at Noon – music at 7 PM with fireworks to follow.