Bessemer Fourth of July festivities kick off with tree lighting

By BRYAN HELLIOS

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Bessemer — Festivities for Bessemer’s annual Fourth of July starts 7 p.m. tonight in the Pocket Park downtown with the Tree of Honor lighting ceremony.

Linda Nelson, chair of the July 4th committee, said the ceremony is to honor military members of both past and present.

Red, white and blue lights are hung on the tree and the donor’s name is put is put on a plaque, she said which is displayed in front of the tree during the duration of the festivities.

In the past, the ceremony has also included music, including the playing of "Taps," she added. “It’s just a nice way to start off the Fourth of July.”

From games for kids to the Sunday night polka dance, Nelson said the week-long festival is full of activities for both the young and mature, and many activities don't cost anything.

Saturday will include the annual Hometown Run in the morning, and music on the street in the afternoon and evening.

On Sunday, the Spotlights Polka Band will play while women and men dressed in traditional polka garb twirl the night away.

A chalk drawing contest for children will be held Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., followed by street bowling and a dance for the children.

“That's for sixth grade and under,” she said of the kids dance. “It's only for the kids we don't want any adults on the street or any of the older kids because they have their own dances.”

Nelson said all the children's contests have prizes.

Events on July 4 include Poncho's Salute at 6 a.m., followed by family games and races in Massie Field from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and a children's parade at 1:30 p.m. on Sophie Street with participants lining up at 1 at City Hall.

The Bessemer Fire Department will host an open house at 2 p.m and free dogs and soda.

The Memory Lane Car Cruise will take place prior to the evening's parade which begins at 7 p.m. The winning 50/50 number will be announced on the last float.

Following the parade, Marty's Goldenaires Drum and Bugle Corps play a concert from 9:10 to 9:55 at Massie Field while people gather for the Thunder on the Mountain fireworks display set for 10 p.m.

For more information about events, visit Bessemer4th.com.