It seems as though the stars have aligned this year, placing July 4th on a Friday. Throw all of your regular Independence Day traditions out of the window–this Friday is set to be one to remember! There will be plenty of time to spend with the family before the fun starts downtown at 7 p.m. with the First Friday Block Party, the Color Me Free 5k Run/Walk in Ridge Ferry Park, and a special fireworks finale before 9:45 p.m.
Photo Credit: Bruce McCammish
Returning favorite Infinity Show Band will bring the energy to the First Friday Block Party, which takes over the 200, 300, AND 400 blocks of Broad Street, in the heart of downtown Rome. The party begins at 7 p.m., with kids’ play areas, including inflatables, and restaurants spilling out onto Georgia’s second widest main street, with the option to purchase and consume adult beverages within the Block Party area. With all of your favorite cafes open and one of Georgia’s grooviest band taking center stage, it will surely make Rome’s biggest party even bigger as we celebrate America’s 238th birthday.
Happening at the same time as the downtown festivities is the Color Me Free 5k Run/Walk at Ridge Ferry Park, sponsored by the Harbin Clinic. Beginning at 6 p.m., participants will start the race and be doused with corn starch in a variety of colors for the duration of the track, finishing the race looking something akin to a Picasso palette! Live music, food vendors and a Kid’s Zone will be available during and after the run, making the event a colorful companion and energetic addition to everything going on in Georgia’s Rome for the 4th of July party.
Patrons at both events are encouraged to move up and down the riverside Heritage Trail System between Ridge Ferry Park and Downtown Rome through this Friday night.
And finally, what Independence Day party is complete without fireworks? The Harbin Clinic will also host the July 4th Fireworks celebration at Ridge Ferry Park upon the conclusion of the festivities, capping off an evening of music, great food, flying colors, and all around good vibes. Whether you are finishing up the race or partying it up with friends and family on Broad Street, be sure to look to the sky at 9:45 p.m. when fireworks will light up the Roman sky. Be sure to feel the celebration in the summer air and the spectacular feeling that comes with being in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Have a safe and happy 4th!
Are you on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and other social media channels? Chronicle your 4th of July fun with the hashtag #RomeGeorgia to show us what you are up to!
Looking for additional events this holiday weekend, including a Civil War encampment, farmer’s markets, river cruises and more? Check out www.RomeEvents.org, powered by VenueDog!
About the Author
Our Georgia's Rome tourism team works hard to curate content to help you discover and explore our beautiful town! We want to ensure our content is up-to-date and accurate; so please let us know if we ever overlook an important detail! This post was originally written by Kristi Kent and is updated by staff.
Keep up the excellent blogging Jake. Bravo!