MARIETTA
Bird’s Eye Parade View
Love parades but hate the crowds? The Earl Smith Strand Theatre offers the chance to be a part of it all, but in a little bit of comfort. Starting one hour before the fun begins on the Marietta streets and square below, the Strand’s rooftop will open for attendees to get a bird’s eye view of all the happenings — good enough to see if there really are 76 trombones and 110 cornets in the big parade. A cash bar will supply bloody marys, mimosas and other morning beverages. The select setting is limited to 100 people.
10 a.m. July 4. $10. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square, Marietta. 770-293-0080, earlsmithstrand.org.
DUNWOODY
Fourth of July parade
If you’d rather be part of a crowd, consider Dunwoody’s Fourth of July parade. This year’s event is expected to top last year’s, which featured 2,500 parade participants and more than 32,000 spectators. In addition to marching bands and floats, the parade will feature clowns, animals and local celebrities. The route stretches along Mount Vernon Road for 2 miles, so there should be plenty of space to squeeze in and see it all.
9 a.m. July 4. Free. Mount Vernon Road between Jett Ferry and Dunwoody Village Parkway. 770-354-7653, dunwoodyga.org.
EAST POINT
July 4 celebration and carnival
Instead of watching a parade go by, set your own pace as you meander through East Point’s Independence Day Hometown Celebration. The day features a carnival of merchants, musical performances, rides and a food court serving up Italian ices, fried fish, margaritas and more. The fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring blankets and chairs for the show. (The carnival also will be held 2 to 11 p.m. July 3.)
Noon-midnight July 4. Free. Across from East Point MARTA Station, 2727 Main St., East Point. 404-270-7059. downtowneastpoint.com.
About the Author
