Jamie Jones
Although the tobacco spitting and greased pig catching contests are no longer a part of Dalton Parks and Recreation Department’s Fourth of July bash, one event remains the hallmark of the day: the fireworks display.
On Saturday, the fireworks will again be launched from Heritage Point, providing some 10,000 expected park visitors — and thousands others around town — with a free celebration of the nation’s Independence Day. But the fireworks display is just a part of the all-day festivities being hosted by the recreation department.
The events kick off at 8 a.m. with a horseshoe tournament at James Brown Park (904 Civic Drive) and conclude with the fireworks at approximately 9:45 p.m. In between there will be bands, dancers, a “Little Miss Rec” pageant and an eating contest with participants scarfing down Krystal burgers and Little Debbie snack cakes.
Across the river, the Murray County Recreation Department will host festivities from 4 p.m. to midnight at 745 Chestnut St. in Chatsworth. The band Longshot will perform at 6 p.m. There will be slides and a train ride for children. The fireworks will begin shortly after dark.
Admission to both events is free, but there are minimal charges for the slides, inflatables and a few other activities. Refreshments will be available.
Mike Miller, athletics coordinator with the city rec department, has been involved with the Independence Day events for the past 26 years. He estimates between 10,000 and 15,000 people will attend throughout the day.
“It’s very popular because of the kinds of things we’re offering,” Miller said. “When we used to have it here at the main office, the whole hill would be completely packed in and you could guesstimate probably 15,000, 20,000 people packed into the little spot right here. As time has gone by and there are more offerings outside of what we do, numbers have sort of decreased.”
All events in Dalton will be at Heritage Point except for the horseshoe tournament and swimming at the pool, which will be at James Brown Park. Entering the eating contests is free. Participants will be timed to determine who can stuff the most number of Krystals or Little Debbies in their gullet. The payoff? A trophy and leftovers.
“It’s a spectacle,” Miller said. “Sometimes the little skinny kids actually are the ones who win. Big guys come in with a gigantic stomach and sometimes their eyes are bigger than their stomachs.”
For information, call the Dalton Rec at (706) 278-5404 or visit www.cityofdalton-ga.gov and click on “Departments,” then “Recreation.” The Murray County rec can be reached at (706) 695-7359.
Events for Dalton Parks and Recreation Department’s Fourth of July bash
(All will take place at Heritage Point Park unless noted)
• 8 a.m.: Horseshoe tournament at James Brown Park (904 Civic Drive)
• 2 to 6 p.m.: Pool open at James Brown Park
• 10 a.m.: Legends softball games
• Noon: Men’s and women’s home run derby
• 4 p.m.: “Little Miss Rec” pageant
• 4 p.m.: Carnival in the Park: Bull-riding, rock wall climb, face painting, inflatables, hair painting
• 5 p.m. to dark: Entertainment with various acts and events; Freedomfest Talent Quest
• 6:30 p.m.: Eating contest
• 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Cross Plains band
• 9:30 to 10:15 p.m.: Fireworks (music by Sweet Southern Entertainment)
