All American Fun atop Lookout Mountain

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - June 25, 2014 - PRLog -- Several star-spangled events offering a variety of wholesome family fun are on tap atop Lookout Mountain in celebration of Independence Day. The star-studded celebrations begin Thursday, July 3^rd and include an ice cream social, parades, a festival centered on potatoes, sunset tours through an animal preserve and spectacular fireworks displays.

On July 3^rd, the city of Fort Payne invites everyone to a star-spangled celebration with free hot dogs, soft drinks, American flags, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display. The event takes place at the Fort Payne High School football stadium and begins at dusk.

Tigers for Tomorrow in Attalla is offering a new Sunset Tour where wild animal lovers and visitors can learn more about the animals and their instincts and behaviors at the preserve. Gates open at 5:30 with tours starting at 6 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children three to eleven years old.

With its roots in potato farming, the town of Henagar pays tribute to its heritage with a free festival. Set for July 4^th, the annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival offers a car and motorcycle show, pony rides, arts and crafts fair, parade, horseshoe tournament, live entertainment, and children’s games and inflatables along with a variety of potato entrees and side dishes. The free event begins with a parade at 10 a.m. and culminates with a spectacular fireworks display. All activities are held in Henagar Park located on Alabama Highway 75. While admission is free, a small fee is charged to participate in some of the children’s games and activities and parking is $2 per vehicle.

DeSoto State Park offers its annual star-spangled celebration beginning with a Splish & Splash Pool Party on July 4^th. From 6:30 to 9 p.m., visitors are invited to cool off in the Olympic-size pool, play pool games, watch a movie in the great outdoors, and eat homemade ice cream. Admission is $1 per person. Hitting the streets at 3 p.m. on July 5^th is the Independence Day Parade. The parade route begins at DeSoto’s Park Headquarters and makes its way to DeSoto’s Campground, just in time for the Homemade Ice Cream Social that is set for 4 p.m. at the Campground Pavilion. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and their own favorite recipe for homemade ice cream to share while mingling with other guests.

Guests are invited to make a homemade flag to be judged in the annual fun contest. All ages are welcome to participate. Materials and rules are available at the Campground Pavilion beginning July 2^nd. Flags must be turned in to DeSoto’s Nature Center no later than 9 a.m., July 5^th. Winners of the flag-making contest will also be announced during the Ice Cream Social. Additional activities offered in and around DeSoto State Park during the fourth of July holiday are rappelling, kayak and canoe excursions above DeSoto Falls, and rock climbing.

The remainder of July is also full of fun things to do atop Lookout Mountain. On July 11-13 and 18-20, Northeast Alabama Community College Theatre presents “The 39 Steps”. Country music legend T.G. Sheppard will be performing live at The Pickin Post on July 12^th. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased at Black’s Tire in Rainsville and Roger’s Pawn, Music and Jewelry in Fort Payne. Show time is set for 6 p.m. Presented by the Mentone Area Arts Council, JulyFest Art and Music returns July 19-20, offering two days of fine arts and crafts, music by notable Alabama bands plus a pet parade, silent auction, dog adoption and more.

For more information on the Independence Day celebrations, Sand Mountain Potato Festival, JulyFest, and other activities, contact DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740 or visit www.DiscoverLookoutMountain.com.

About DeKalb Tourism

DeKalb Tourism is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in DeKalb County. Our mission includes to provide outstanding customer service to all guests; to provide complete and detailed information about DeKalb County, its history and attractions; to leave visitors with a positive experience; to develop strong positive long term relationships with the people and businesses of our communities; and to be a leader in the education and promotion of our county, locally, nationwide and internationally.