Crowds Pack Tuscaloosa & Northport For America 250
Fireworks popped in neighborhoods across Tuscaloosa and Northport into the wee hours of Sunday morning, but they all paled in comparison to the display put on at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater as the finale for July 4ths "Celebration on the River" Saturday night.
Temperatures in the mid-80s and no rain led to a packed house in the amp and crowds along the River District roadways and in Downtown Tuscaloosa and Northport. They were treated to one of the best 4th of July fireworks ever locally. The fireworks accompanied by the stirring music of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra was a memorable way to mark our nation's 250th birthday.
The free evening of celebration got underway with the Kid's Zone in West and East Plazas (featuring face painting and inflatable games.} The kid's activities coincided with a DJ Tank performance, and the patriotic evening was capped by the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra's performance before and during the fireworks show.
Prior to the fireworks, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox thanked the city council and sponsors for their support of the annual event. Maddox spoke of the significance of the celebration of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as something that has been inherited and to be advanced to the next generation. He pointed out that sacred inheritance "...secured by the sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces is not something we are entitled to, it is something we must work hard every day to do."
Maddox said Tuscaloosa is working to build a greater nation and a stronger future. "I see it.in every police office and firefighter who is willing to sacrifice their lives for us. I see it in every entrepreneur who is willing to risk all to create their small business and have an opportunity at the American dream. And I see it in every teacher who gives their heart and gives their soul so our children will be ready. And tonight, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama I see it in all of you."
Directly addressing the huge crowd the mayor pointed out, "Although we may be of different ages and backgrounds and religions and experience and political beliefs; we are united by the inherited promise of the inalienable right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Maddox continued, using a phrase popularized by President Ronald Reagan, referring to how the fireworks would illuminate the city's riverfront, revealing a "shining city of the hill" with a mission of passing along the sacred inheritance to the next generation.
Just across the river in downtown Northport the inaugural 4th on Main community celebration also commemorated America's 250th anniversary. The free event featured a non-motorized patriotic parade, live music from Alabama performers, and a special Veterans Recognition Ceremony. The late afternoon event extended into the evening with food trucks, face painting, and a view of the fireworks display just across the Warrior River.
According to officials, the 4th on Main was designed to bring residents and visitors together to celebrate America’s history, honor those who have contributed to our freedoms, and showcase the vibrant spirit of downtown Northport.
Saturday was a historic day that will not soon be forgotten as the two cities paid homage to the Declaration of Independence and 250 years of freedom.
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