Athens is gearing up to celebrate America’s 249th Independence Day a few days early with its annual Star Spangled Classic on Saturday, June 28. The celebration will take place at Southeast Clarke Park. The evening will feature family-friendly activities, food, live music, and a large fireworks display.
Festivities begin at 6 p.m. on the Lexington Road fields. Children and families can enjoy free attractions, including carnival rides, inflatables, face painting, a photo booth, and more. Food trucks will be on site throughout the evening.
The Funk Brotherhood will perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m., leading into the fireworks show. Fireworks will be launched from the Athens-Clarke County Tennis Center at approximately 9:30 p.m. and can be viewed from designated areas throughout the park.
Shuttle service available
To accommodate parking, free shuttles will regularly circulate from the Wal-Mart off Lexington Road, Whit Davis Elementary School, and the World-of-Wonder Playground parking lot. The shuttle and parking locations will open at 5:30 p.m.
The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is hosting the event. The city states that it will enforce park rules, including a ban on alcohol, personal fireworks, grills, and smoking. No pets allowed.
Southeast Clarke Park is located at 4440 Lexington Road, Athens.
If severe weather is forecasted for Saturday, the Star Spangled Classic will be moved to Friday, June 27. All event times will remain the same.
