Now, everyone knows the short list of July 4th events (think Stone Mountain and Centennial Olympic Park) that rise to the top of our local list. But, little did you know, the top-rated destination in the country to celebrate the Fourth of July sits right in on the coast of Georgia.

RELATED: America’s 10 biggest and brightest Fourth of July fireworks shows

Every year the port city of Brunswick, Georgia, transforms Mary Ross Waterfront Park in its Historic Downtown into an old-fashioned Independence Day. USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice poll recently crowned the city's Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration the best Fourth of July festival in the country.

Located right on the coast and adjacent to the Golden Isles, Brunswick and makes the perfection location to spend the Fourth of July and a mini-vacation while you're at it.

Here’s everything to know about this chart-topping 4th of July event:

Event: Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration in Brunswick

Time: 7 -10 p.m. Date: Tuesday, July 4th

Location: Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Bay and Gloucester Street, Brunswick.

Watch an old-fashioned fireworks show in Brunswick, rated last year's best Fourth of July in the country by USA Today.

Credit: Courtesy of Golden Isles CVB

icon to expand image

Credit: Courtesy of Golden Isles CVB

At this year's event, you can expect:

  • Traditional family fun. Bring the whole family to this kid-friendly Independence Day event, which will feature wholesome games and activities like sack races, water balloon toss, hula hoop contest, horseshoes, tug-of-war and plenty of prizes.
  • Delicious watermelon. Not only will game winners receive a whole watermelon grown in Southern Georgia, but, thanks to the City of Brunswick, visitors young and old will also enjoy free watermelon slices throughout the night.
  • Music in the air. To start this important evening off right, local singer Annie Akins will perform a powerful rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner," along with Artists and Mentors of the Golden Isles Penguin Project. If you've never listened to it in person, hearing "The Star Spangled Banner" live will knock your socks off.
  • Plenty of food. Thanks to the Heather House and the City of Brunswick Police Department C.O.P. program, an array of traditional Fourth of July food will be available for purchase at the event, including hamburgers, hot dogs, sodas and sweets. No need to bring a picnic with you to this one.
  • Stunning fireworks show. For a full 30 minutes, you and your family will enjoy one of the best fireworks shows in the South. Set to a backdrop of patriotic music, a spectacular fireworks display will explode around 9 p.m.over the waters of the East River and Oglethorpe Bay.

If you're looking for a meaningful way to build memories with your family, don't miss the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration in Brunswick.

For more information, contact the Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association at 912-262-6934 or email info@goldenislesarts.org.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Foo Fighters closed out Shaky Knees 2024 at Central Park with extended versions of their biggest hits. The indie rock festival has moved to Piedmont Park for this weekend's event. (Ryan Fleisher for the AJC)

Credit: Ryan Fleisher

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com