Celebrate Freedom

Pray for fair weather and make plans to meet friends and family at the BRHS band practice field July 3 for the annual Celebrate Freedom event hosted by Marshall Street Church. This year’s celebration will return two acts that were interrupted during last year’s show, headliner Colton Dixon and family-friendly comedian Mickey Bell. Jason Crabb, one of the biggest names in gospel music, will kick off the event at 6 p.m. Kentucky native Crabb is known for his energetic performances and strong vocals. A Two-time Grammy-award winner, Crabb also has received 21 Dove

Awards and was named the Gospel Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year. Crabb also is the author of a children’s book series that helps children comprehend the goodness and love of God. His recent hit, Good Morning Mercy, with Dylan Scott skyrocketed on the Christian radio charts and has garnered in the millions on streaming platforms.

The mid-stage portion of the show will highlight the humor of Christian comedian Mickey Bell, who will share funny stories from his life experiences. More than just a deliverer of corny church jokes, Bell has a quick wit and high energy that entertains audiences across the country.

His show was interrupted by a strong thunderstorm last year, and Marshall Street Church emcee Steve “Cubby” Culbertson said they are excited to bring him back this year.

Another returning act, Colton Dixon was scheduled to headline last year, but most of his performance was canceled due to the inclement weather.

Dixon was voted fan favorite on Season 11 of American Idol He has appeared on the Today Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and endeavors to feature faith-based music without alienating a wider audience.

“He is a good entertainer. Really good,” Culberson said. “Young people will really enjoy him.”

Following Dixon’s performance, the fireworks will blast off after dark set to patriotic music, which will be broadcast on Kowaliga Country 97.5 FM radio.

Times to Remember

Previous Pages: Thousands of locals and visitors turn out for the concert and fireworks on the BRHS grounds; Above: Christian music's Colton Dixon will headline this year's show in town.

Food trucks will be parked on site, and patrons will be able to purchase other items – such as baked goods and ice cream. No smoking or alcohol is allowed. No coolers are allowed in accordance with school property rules but bring lawn chairs and blankets for the lawn. The event is free and open to the public.

In Dadeville, the Blue Creek golf cart parade is set for 11 a.m. on Olana Drive at the north end of Ponder Camp Road. Park anywhere along Ponder Camp Road to collect candy and trinkets thrown by parade entrants. To join the fun, meet at 10 a.m. at Olana Drive. For more information, contact Mickey Forbus at 334-329-0905.

Russell Lands will open the weekend celebration with Jonathan Bloom at Friday On The Green, a free family- friendly concert at 6:30 p.m. on June 30th on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Bring lawn chairs, blankets for the grass, picnics and the pup on a leash to get the weekend’s relaxation vibe started.

Return to the Town Green on Saturday morning for the 12th annual Arti Gras juried art show. Artisans from across the Southeast will display their handmade goods for sale, from jewelry to soaps, paintings, pottery, woodwork and more. The show will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Be sure to turn out for the Fourth of July Boat Parade, presented by Russell Marine, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4. The parade starts at Kowaliga Marina and makes a loop to the Children’s Harbor lighthouse and back as entrants vie for cash and prizes for the tallest flag, largest flag, most patriotic crew, most creative theme and best overall boat and crew.

The weekend wraps up at Lake Martin Amphitheater with the annual concert and one of the Southeast’s largest fireworks displays. While patrons often park alongside the road outside the amphitheater or in boats offshore, the real show is on the ground at The AMP. Admission is a bargain at $10. Bring lawn chairs, blankets for the grassy hillside, coolers and picnics, but please leave the pup safely at home for this event.

Andrew Jannakos will headline the concert again this year, after his show was interrupted by a storm last year. He will follow local favorite, The Bank Walkers, who will open the show at 6:30 p.m. Jannakos will perform two sets – the first one at 8 p.m. before the spectacular fireworks show and the second at 9:30 p.m. after the fireworks.

A Georgia native, Jannakos has garnered a following in the many millions on streaming platforms. Three years ago, his popularity rose sharply after his wife posted a video of him cooking dinner while singing the breakout single, Gone Too Soon, which he co-wrote with Jason Afable and Josh Bricker. The clip went viral with more than 10 million views within just a few months and since then has hit 36 million views on Spotify.

Jannakos comes from music. His grandfather played in a bluegrass band, and in 2019, he built a global fan base on Season 16 of The Voice.

It’s a fun and exciting series of events across the area on July 4th, and most of these events are free. Don’t miss a minute of it.