By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
In this 250th year of our nation’s history, excitement is everywhere with regard to “The Big Party.” As a nation, we are fixing to throw a bash to end all bashes, and as a state, Alabama has selected Athens to be one of more than 50 of the America250AL “celebration cities.” It is both an honor as well as a responsibility, and so right out the gate, the purpose of this article is to give you an idea of all the happenin’s as well as ways you can help make this 4th of July utterly grand.
Recently, I spoke with Stephanie Reynolds, who is our Tourism Specialist for Athens-Limestone County as well as a columnist for Athens Now. She mentioned that last year’s Red, White & BOOM was a huge success, and plans have been in the works all year to make this one even more spectacular. “Last year we added a party, and this year the party is going to be bigger and better,” said Stephanie. The whole idea in 2026 is to have plenty of time to do several different Red, White & BOOM activities, enjoy your own family and friends, cook out at home, come back for the late afternoon events at the SportsPlex, and then watch the biggest fireworks display Athens has ever put on.
Here is a basic breakdown of all the events, as of this publish date:
Our celebration officially kicks off on Friday, July 3, from 7-9 p.m. on the Limestone County Courthouse Square with an Art After Hours event. It features live rock-and-roll bands and free patriotic art activities for children. Athens Arts has sponsored a student art contest, and the winners will be announced. Food trucks and fun; be sure to come.
Red, White and ZOOM Rocket Pop 5K, Saturday, July 4, at 7 a.m. This is a certified race event that welcomes runners, walkers, strollers, parents, kids, and will have swag, medals, and a Rocket Pop when you complete the race. It will be held in Swan Creek Greenway, which is lovely and shaded. Cost for entry is $30, and you can register at runsignup.com
Red, White & BLOOM, on Saturday, July 4, is going to be held at the Athens-Limestone Farmer’s Market/ Doug Gates Park from 8 a.m.-noon. Vendors will be there per usual, and there will be an America250AL theme throughout. As it gets closer to the 4th, Athens Main Street will announce more Red, White & BLOOM-specific details.
The rest of the day’s events will be held at the SportsPlex beginning at 4 p.m. There will be a vendor fair, and if you are wishing to “display your wares,” there will be one type of business per entrant. If you make soap, you are the only one, so you need to contact Stephanie ASAP to guarantee your slot. Your niche will be exclusive, and cost per table will be $35. Remember, we are now less than a month out ‘til the big day. To get more info, email stephanie@exploreathensal.org.
Red, White & BOOM in the afternoon will feature a battle of the bands with cash prizes. There will be bouncy houses, face painting, food trucks, and more. Tourism will showcase a peek into the kinds of events that are part of the year’s offerings. There will be a bit o’ Fiddlers, Storytellers, and Tractor Pull.
Then, the skies will light up at 9 p.m., and this year’s fireworks display is going to be something to remember. You cannot sit inside the stadium to watch due to safety concerns, but the viewing will be great at the Sportsplex.
Stephanie made a point that this year, “We want to remind ourselves of our freedom and community through fellowship and celebration.” If you would like to help support our community’s celebration, contact Stephanie at stephanie@exploreathensal.org. The volunteer shifts are short and everything will help. For example, if early birds can come and help set up and man the 5K, the rest of the day is free and clear. Set up for the afternoon events begins at 1 p.m., so if you want to sleep in on Saturday morning, you can come later to lend a hand.
See you on the 4th and thank you!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
