The Fayette Citizen-Weekend Page

Wednesday, July 3, 2002

Fourth of July activities unite the community

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate America's independence and this year, as the country remains united after the events of Sept. 11 and the war against terrorism, the festivities will be a little more patriotic than years past. Both Peachtree City and Newnan will have celebrations on July 4, bring the community together.

Newnan will celebrate the Fourth of July on July 4. The celebration begins with a parade through downtown at 6 p.m. The party then moves to Drake Stadium at Newnan High School where there will be entertainment and food leading up to a fireworks display.

Peachtree City's festivities start with a parade at 9 a.m. The parade starts at Booth Middle School, crosses Ga. Hwy 54 and proceeds up Flat Creek Trail. The Recreation Department has chosen to honor those individuals in our community who constantly put their lives on the line and are our homeland defense. A representative from the Fire Department and the Police Department will serve as an ambassador from these two fine departments and will ride as Grand Marshals in the 4th of July parade.

Paul Talbott is a Volunteer Firefighter with the Peachtree City Fire Department. Talbott has served with the department since 1974. He was one of the first persons in the department to complete Emergency Medical Technician training. He is a hazardous materials operations responder. He has been and remains instrumental in researching, compiling and coordinating specifications for department fire apparatus, including Engine 81 and Tower 8.

Corporal Christopher Lackey joined the Peachtree City Police Department in November, 1992 as a patrol officer. He is presently a corporal in the patrol division and is also a field-training officer responsible for training new officers who are hired by the Police Department after they graduate from the Police Academy. Lackey was selected to represent the Police Department because of his dedication to the profession and his commitment to the citizens of Peachtree City.

"Our department is proud to honor all of the individuals in these departments who serve this community every day and we thank them for their dedication and service they provide to us," said Susan Taylor, Parade Coordinator. "These people are our first line of defense in case of emergency."

Also featured in the parade this year will be members of the Classical Dance Theatre performing a "Stars and Stripes" piece originally choreographed for the school's spring recital.

After the parade, the Peachtree City Fire Department will hold their annual expo at Drake Field at 3 p.m. They will give an equipment demonstration featuring several of their trucks, including their ladder/rescue truck. They will also give a demonstration of how the "Jaws of Life" work. After the demonstration they will put on their annual water battle at 4 p.m.

At 7 p.m., the Peachtree City Wind Ensemble and Community band will perform at City Hall Plaza at 7 p.m. After their concert a fireworks display will start at around 9:30 p.m.

The following day will feature the Swingin' Medallions at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater. However, tickets for the annual show are sold out. The gates will open at 7 p.m. and the band will take the stage at 8 p.m.

 


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