Athens, Georgia, is not the busiest location in the region for 4th of July celebrations, with even their Star-Spangled Classic fireworks display occurring a week early on June 27. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no reason to celebrate. We understand the need to experience a range of 4th of July events with your family, including looking for senior-friendly activities for loved ones who may not be as active.
Below, we provide several patriotic celebrations for you and your loved one, whether you are looking for summer events that allow for excitement or more contemplative activities. Discover suggestions for Athens community gatherings and find ways to get your loved one engaged with some of the best opportunities in the region.
Red, White & Boom!
Every year, the traditional firework display in Athens promises to wow viewers with its timed light show, and this year appears to be no different. The event starts at around 5:00 p.m. on July 4 and promises a long evening filled with enjoyable experiences for people of all ages. Whether your loved one prefers sitting and enjoying the tastes of a local food truck or watching live music, you can expect them to find something that matches their mood.
The bands on display will even be giving it their all. With $250 on the line due to a “Battle of the Bands” competition being thrown, you can expect to hear some of the most beautiful and affecting tunes coming from the live stage this year.
The fireworks display will start at 9:00 p.m., followed by a closing ceremony headlined by the winner of the Battle of the Bands, but by then, many people will have no doubt had their fill of louder noises. While it may be a touch too much excitement for more sedate individuals, it is undoubtedly one that harkens back to many great American traditions, and one you can be assured that your loved one will appreciate.
July 4th Freedom Celebration with Christian Life
If your loved one is more interested in family-friendly activities and religious engagement, the Christian Life Worship Center is offering an opportunity for an exciting evening at their church. While they, too, mention fireworks, they also have several family-friendly games that may be perfect for seniors, and focus their attention on family harmony.
If you plan to attend with a family who would be open to the theme of the event, the group explains on their website how they intend to play live music that will have you “clapping, shouting, dancing, and worshipping“.
They mention bringing a blanket or a lawn chair, and you may want to bring some drinks and snacks for the family. The event starts at 4:00 p.m. and overlaps significantly with the Red, White & Boom!, celebration, so pick one and, if it doesn’t suit your taste, the other might instead be perfect.
Why July 4 With Senior Loved Ones Is Important
Patriotic and traditional celebrations, such as July 4, are a key part of sparking cherished memories of times spent with family and reliving periods in one’s life. People often want to re-experience a moment of joy they had when they were younger. For this reason, spending time with your family may not be as complicated as it seems, and you might want to consider using our senior living community here in Athens for the day instead.
You have several options for what you could do with us. However, one of the best options might be to invite your loved one’s family to spend the day together in their spacious senior living apartment. Bring along some pre-cooked favorites and enjoy a family meal in their living and dining room, followed by quality time together as a family with games and conversation.
Your loved one may also want to introduce you to their friends, or vice versa. In short, showing off their life may play a significant part in helping you appreciate one another’s lives, even as different as they are. Ask them about the community events they attend, and discover more about daily life with us.
Then, when the evening rolls around, join them outside with a blanket around one another’s shoulders to watch fireworks throughout the local region. Share the moment, appreciating one another’s company and using the opportunity to open new topics of conversation and talk about interests. Whether you have a dozen overlapping hobbies or national pride is the only topic you agree on, it can be a special moment that you can both enjoy.
Family Picnic at Sandy Creek Park
On July 4, expect the 782-acre Sandy Creek Park to be a center of attention for families throughout the region as the July 4th family gathering kicks off. While details are scant, you could do a lot worse than gathering up a few supplies for a delicious picnic and then heading in with your loved one.
Put together a basic picnic, including drinks and easy-to-eat items, such as finger food or:
- Small sandwiches
- Fresh fruit cups
- Soft cookies
- Banana bread slices
- Cold pasta salad
Use a cooler with ice packs to keep the food fresh and prevent it from spoiling in the Athens heat. Then, you can spend as long as you want slowly eating and drinking, talking about whatever comes to mind.
If you bring your family with you, then allow the younger members to play. The sight of them engaging with one another can often be heartening, allowing your loved one to discuss the nature of family or the experiences they have had throughout their life.
Celebrate Freedom with 4th of July Events
Whether you want to go to a major fireworks display or relax under a shade in a park with your loved one, enjoying 4th of July events with them will mean a lot. Athens packs a lot of fun into many activities across the city, and you may want to explore the holiday fun for seniors in the region.
Alternatively, if you would like to learn more about how Terrabella Epps Bridge ensures the comfort of our residents throughout the year, including during holidays, get in touch to arrange a tour. Discover what we offer today.