Your Guide to 4th of July Celebrations, Fireworks

Fireworks in the summertime are as American as apple pie, especially around Independence Day. That’s why Patch is here to help.

We have compiled a list of fireworks displays and celebrations happening in Cumming and in nearby towns.

Here’s a look at where the skies will light up this year:

Cumming Fairgrounds

The City of Cumming will begin celebrating Independence Day 2012 on Tuesday, July 3 at 6 p.m.

There will be various vendors including food and drink, inflatables for the kids. Live music again this year by Feedback, a local band, playing classic rock and country beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The fireworks show will begin around 9:30 p.m. and will last about 20 to 30 minutes, according to Tracy Helms, events coordinator with the fairgrounds.

Immediately following the fireworks will be a dance contest for all ages. There is no admission or parking fee for the celebration, but parking spaces are limited.

"Get here early," said Helms. "It really does crowded."

Then on Wednesday, July 4th, the 55th annual Steam Engine Parade rolls out at 10 a.m. and will last for about two hours.

According to the City of Cumming, the parade will start at the intersection of Tribble Gap and Woodland Drive and can be seen coming down Tribble Gap from Forsyth Central High School ending at the fairgrounds.

Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt and his council lead the parade, followed by a representation of veterans in Forsyth County.

Next in the line up comes the Steam Engines, magnificent machines representing a historical era of agriculture and farming. A.G. Thomas, Dr. Jim Mashburn, and Dr. Marcus Mashburn, were all avid collectors of steam engines and their family and friends have maintained and added to their unique collections. The Steam Engine Association proudly displays their antique engines every 4th of July to carry on the tradition Thomas began more than 50 years ago.

Free Bowling on the 4th of July at Stars and Strikes, Cumming

 is celebrating Independence Day this year in a big way. The family fun entertainment center is offering two free games of bowling for everyone from 10 a.m. to midnight on the 4th of July.

The annual Fourth of July celebration at Lake Lanier Islands Resort

Get there early in the day to enjoy the Beach and Water Park, which offers endless fun for kids of all ages and adults too. Your admission ticket to the water park includes the fireworks display July 4. You may also choose to arrive later and pay a discounted price. Be sure to scope out a spot on the beach for the best place to view the fireworks, which will be presented at dark. Lake Lanier is located about 35 minutes north of downtown Atlanta and definitely worth the drive, especially on the 4th of July. Water park admission is $11.99 - $34.99. Fireworks go off at 9:30 on July 4th.

The 45th Annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration, Stone Mountain Park

Seasoned July 4 visitors to the park will tell you this: if you want a good spot to set up a picnic or get a space on Memorial Lawn, get there early! The park's festivities start July 3 through July 4 lasting from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The famous Laser show is at 9:30 a.m.

4th of July at Lenox Square

Lenox Square says on its website that it has the Southeast’s largest celebration, with more than 200,000 people in attendance every year. Jimmy Buffet tribute band Sons of Sailors begins the musical entertainment at 6 p.m., then Party on the Moon at 7:30 p.m. Then fireworks around 9:35 p.m.

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4th of July at Centennial Olympic Park

The gates open at 6 p.m.; fireworks start at about 9:40 p.m. According to the website, Centennial's fireworks are synchronized to patriotic and popular music. The park urges people to take MARTA .

Learn more about the 4th of July celebration at Centennial here.

Wills Park

Located in Alpharetta, off of Old Milton Parkway, Wills Park is a good choice for Fourth of July festivities and fireworks. Entertainment from local bands takes place from 6-9 p.m. behind the Community Center. There will be free games for kids and food and drinks available for purchase. Grills and tents are allowed in the park, but not on the athletic fields. It all takes place on Wednesday, July 4, and culminates with a fireworks display at dusk. Free.

Mall of Georgia

For family-friendly fun and festivities on the Fourth of July, the Mall of Georgia is a good choice. Live music begins at 2:00 p.m. and runs through 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July. There’s a kids’ area with rides and slides and food/drink vendors. The fireworks shoot off at 9:15 p.m. from the Nordstrom overflow lot. If you don’t want to get into the middle of exiting traffic, stick around for a free showing of “Sherlock Holmes 2” after the fireworks. Then, leave at your leisure.

Marietta July 4th Festivities

The public is invited to celebrate July 4th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with an Independence Day parade and celebration on Marietta Square. The Fourth in the Park Festival includes free concerts, an arts and crafts show, food, carnival games and a fireworks finale. .

Jackie Kass contributed to this article.