Area residents can celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday from morning until night Saturday, July 4 at two major events in Waycross.
The Waycross Exchange Club’s America 250 Field of Honor starts the day at 10 a.m. with a patriotic-themed program at the Okefenokee Fairgrounds, 2401 Knight Avenue, honoring veterans living and deceased. Early in the afternoon, activities move to Downtown Waycross for the city’s annual Fourth of July Celebration capped by a fireworks show at about 9:30 p.m.
Both events are free. The Field of Honor will hold flags dedicated to those who’ve played a role in creating, shaping and sustaining our nation’s freedom. The program will be a tribute to patriotism and service with a number of speakers headed by the keynote address of Col. Russell T. Reese, Vice Chairman of Moody Air Force Base.
Also scheduled to speak are Rep. James Burchett, Georgia House Dist. 176, Sen. Russ Goodman, Dist. 8, Bill Deason, National Exchange Club past president, Fussell Hughes, National Exchange Club president-elect, and Rhonda Busby Georgia Exchange Club, past president.
Ware County Schools Supt. Dr. Lynn Barber will offer the invocation while Waycross Mayor Michael-Angelo James will have the closing prayer.
The tribute will include a flyover by A-10 Warthog aircraft while an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter will be on display on the ground. Music will be provided by Moody AFB personnel, including a trumpeteer playing “Taps” to honor the fallen.
Following the program, there will be a free lunch for veterans (military ID required) with Field of Honor open for attendees to experience.
The Okefenokee Her-itage Center’s America 250 Community Mural also will be on display at the fairgrounds. The 6foot x 12-foot work painted by citizen artists of all skill levels under the direction of wildlife artist/muralist Jorah Mitchell will be on permanent display at the OHC later this month.
The city’s festivities will begin early afternoon based in Phoenix Park and stretching through downtown streets. In addition to the fireworks display, it includes DJ entertainment, live music, food, beverage as well as arts & crafts vendors, and a variety of family activities.
The live music schedule includes:
• 1:30: John Randall Smith Band;
• 2:45: Austin Lane (acoustic set);
• 4:00: Chris Brown (acoustic set), 4 p.m.
• 5:30: The Brat Pack Band;
• 7:30: Saltwater Gypseas.
In addition to the city, sponsors are Memorial Satilla Health, Waycross Convention & Visitors Bureau, Millennium Sound and Parable Financial Network.
