Celebrating the birth of the United States takes center stage at the 11th Annual “Patriotism at The Post” concert and fireworks show slated to take place at historic Barnhardt Circle Monday, July 3, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The festivities include the patriotic concert and sing-a-long, food, kid’s activities, coloring contest and the naming of the Most Patriotic Boy and Girl winner, followed by fireworks at dark. Children, age 10 and younger, can compete by dressing in their patriotic best wearing red-white and blue and prizes will be awarded. The Patriotic Kid’s coloring contest winners will also be announced during the opening ceremonies. Boy Scout Troop 316 from Flintstone will present the colors at the opening ceremony.
Tabernacle Big Band will headline the concert with their 1940’s-era band of trumpets, trombones, saxophones and rhythm section. The band performs jazz and patriotic arrangements as well as “Glenn Miller” style swing music. The patriotic sing-a-long encourages the audience to join in with song sheets available. All military veterans are recognized and asked to stand when their branch of service song is played during the “Service Salute.”
“The Army Post at Fort Oglethorpe played a huge role in the development of our nation,” said Chris McKeever, director of the 6th Cavalry Museum and member of the Fort Oglethorpe Tourism Association. “What better place to celebrate our nation’s birth than here on the polo field with great music, family fun and fireworks.”
Patriotism at The Post is free to attend but asks for a $5 per car parking fee. Modern Woodmen of America, a member-owned fraternal financial services organization has awarded a community matching grant to support Patriotism at The Post. Liberty Baptist Church is sponsoring kid’s activities and games and Apex Inflatables will have bounce houses for the kids to enjoy for a charge. Cornerstone Medical Center is providing shuttle service for those who need extra help getting onto the polo field and Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School’s Football team is also volunteering.
More information about the event can be found online at fortotourism.org, on Facebook or by calling 706.861-2860.