North Atlanta Weekend Guide: Drone Shows and July Fourth Traditions

North Atlanta’s Independence Day weekend brings celebrations to Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming and Sugar Hill, along with a patriotic drone show, an old-fashioned steam-engine parade, outdoor movies and one of the region’s largest antique markets.

The weekend runs Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s across the area, with possible afternoon thunderstorms each day, making water, shade and a last-minute weather check especially important for outdoor plans.

Friday, July 3

America 250 Celebration in Johns Creek

Johns Creek will begin the holiday weekend at its new Town Center, where the city’s America 250 Independence Day Celebration runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Boardwalk, 11362 Lakefield Drive.

The free gathering includes a performance by the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, music from DJ K-Swiss, food and family activities. Outside alcohol and pets are not permitted, although service animals are allowed.

Alpharetta’s First Patriotic Drone Show

Downtown Alpharetta is offering something different this year: the city’s first large community drone show. The evening begins at Town Green with a concert by Party on the Moon, followed by a patriotic display above Alpharetta City Center celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The free event runs from 7 to 10 p.m., with the concert scheduled from approximately 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and the drone show following. Road closures around Town Green are expected.

Sparks in the Park in Sugar Hill

Sparks in the Park returns to E.E. Robinson Park with food trucks, vendors, activities, a free concert at sundown. The event runs from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Parking near the event is limited largely to vehicles with ADA permits. Other visitors can park at Sugar Hill Elementary School, Sugar Hill Church, the downtown public parking deck or the park’s south entrance, then walk between roughly one-third of a mile and one mile. No shuttle service is planned, so comfortable shoes will matter.

Saturday, July 4

Cumming’s Steam Engine Parade

Cumming’s Fourth of July begins with one of the area’s most distinctive traditions. The 68th annual Thomas-Mashburn Steam Engine Parade starts at 10 a.m. and continues through noon, bringing antique steam engines, floats and community groups through downtown Cumming.

Thousands of spectators traditionally gather along the route, making an early arrival worthwhile for anyone hoping to find a shaded viewing spot.

Suwanee Farmers Market

For a quieter Saturday morning, the Suwanee Farmers Market will operate from 8 a.m. to noon at Town Center. Visitors can shop for local produce, baked goods and other market items before the afternoon heat arrives.

Suwanee’s larger America 250 concert is scheduled for July 11, so the farmers market is the city’s principal public event this holiday weekend.

A Poolside Celebration in Roswell

Roswell Area Park Pool will hold a special patriotic swim from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with pool games, prizes, family activities and food served beginning at noon.

Admission is $3 for Roswell residents and $5 for nonresidents, payable at the entrance. The pool is at 10495 Woodstock Road and will close at 3 p.m. as the park prepares for the evening celebration.

Cumming Fairgrounds Celebration

The holiday resumes in Cumming at 4 p.m., when the Fairgrounds opens for an evening of live music, food and family entertainment. The show is scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m., and the celebration ends at 10 p.m.

A separate Dukes of Country concert is also scheduled from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater at Cumming City Center.

Roswell’s July Fourth Celebration

Roswell’s main celebration runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at Roswell Area Park. The free event includes food trucks, family activities, live music from 293 Band and a patriotic performance by Timothy Miller, known locally for singing “God Bless America” at Atlanta Braves games.

New attractions this year include a giant slide, throwing games, spin-art stations, roaming stilt walkers and complimentary funnel cakes while supplies last. Fireworks will begin around sunset.

Wills Park

Alpharetta’s traditional show begins at 9:15 p.m. at Wills Park, 11925 Wills Road. Families are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and a picnic for the display, which generally lasts more than 20 minutes.

The event is scheduled to proceed rain or shine, although the city may delay the show if conditions require it. The latest possible start time is 10:40 p.m.

Captain America in Peachtree Corners

Peachtree Corners offers an alternative with an outdoor showing of “Captain America” at 7 p.m. on the Town Green.

The 2011 movie is rated PG-13 and runs just over two hours. Visitors should bring chairs or blankets and check the city’s updates if storms develop during the afternoon.

All Weekend

Lakewood 400 Antiques Market

Lakewood 400 Antiques Market returns to Cumming from Friday through Sunday with vintage furniture, artwork, jewelry, collectibles and home décor spread across its indoor and outdoor vendor areas.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 cash, tickets remain valid throughout the weekend, and children younger than 12 enter free. The market is located at 1321 Atlanta Highway.

About the Author

Tsvi Jolles

Author, Editor & Publisher

Tsvi Jolles is the author of seven books and the founder and publisher of North Atlanta Star. He has lived in Cumming for almost a decade.

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