FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Dersham, Executive Director DeKalb Tourism
PHONE: 256.845.3957 or 888.805.4740 ext. 35
info@tourdekalb.com
Star Spangled Fun Atop Lookout Mountain
Fort Payne, Ala. (May 28, 2019) – Several star-spangled events offering a variety of wholesome family fun are on tap atop Lookout Mountain in celebration of Independence Day. The star-studded celebrations begin Tuesday, July 2nd and include free hot dogs, an ice cream social, parades, a festival centered on potatoes and spectacular fireworks displays.
The independence celebrations get underway July 2nd when the City of Fort Payne invites everyone to a star-spangled celebration with free hot dogs, soft drinks, American flags, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. The event takes place at the Fort Payne Sports Complex and begins at dusk.
With its roots in potato farming, the town of Henagar pays tribute to its heritage with a free festival on July 4th. Now in its 37th year, the Sand Mountain Potato Festival offers a car show, arts and crafts fair, parade, live entertainment featuring local talent and children’s games and inflatables, along with a variety of food vendors featuring potato entrees and side dishes.
The Sand Mountain Potato Festival begins with a parade at 10 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies around 11 a.m., with entertainment beginning immediately afterwards and running through to the spectacular fireworks display around 8:30 p.m. This year’s event will have a variety of local artists performing, including the Sharps Quartet, Ryan Watkins, Kathy Louvin and family, among others. Along with traditional festival food, a variety of potato entrees and side dishes are offered including baked potatoes, French fries, cheese fries, tator twirls and much more.
All activities are held in Henagar Park located on Alabama Highway 75. While admission is free, a small fee is charged to participate in some of the children’s games and activities and parking is $2 per vehicle.
The Farm at Windy Hill will host its annual Farm-to-Table BBQ July 4th from 4 to 7 p.m. Barbeque plates featuring the farm’s own pastured pork, fresh picked vegetable sides and homemade pound cake will be available to purchase. In addition to great food, there will be lawn games and music by local musicians.
The Independence Day celebrations continue after the fourth of July at DeSoto State Park with activities ranging from a flag making contest to an ice cream social.
All ages are welcome to participate in the free flag-making contest. Materials and flag-making rules will be available at the campground pavilion in the Improved Campground starting July 3rd. Flags must be turned in at DeSoto’s Nature Center no later than 9 a.m. Saturday, July 6th to be judged. Examples of flags from year’s past can be seen at the Nature Center.
The annual Splish and Splash Pool Party is set for July 5th from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Visitors are invited to cool off in the Olympic-size pool, play pool games and eat homemade ice cream. Admission is $1 per person.
Hitting the streets at 3 p.m. on July 6th is the Independence Day Parade. The parade route begins at DeSoto State Park’s headquarters and makes its way to DeSoto’s Improved Campground, just in time for the homemade ice cream social that is set for 4 p.m. at the Campground Pavilion. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and their own favorite recipe for homemade ice cream to share while mingling with other guests. Flag making contest winners will also be announced at this time.
