Get Ready to Celebrate As The Spirit of America Festival Lights Up Decatur This 4th of July!

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Get Ready to Celebrate As The Spirit of America Festival Lights Up Decatur This 4th of July!

Lillie Beth Warner • June 28, 2024

Spirit of America Returns For it's 53rd Year to Point Mallard Park this Independence Day!

Get ready to paint the town red, white, and blue as Decatur gears up for the 53rd annual Spirit of America Festival, a celebration of everything that makes our nation great! From honoring our heroes to enjoying top-notch entertainment and a jaw-dropping fireworks display, this July 4th promises to be one for the books.

A Day Packed with Fun

The festivities kick off at 1:00 p.m. sharp at Point Mallard Park, where the whole family can dive into a day jam-packed with excitement:

1:00 p.m. - Music All Day

The Spirit of America Festival brings you an electrifying lineup of live performances. Whether you're a fan of country, rock, or pop, the diverse array of musical talents promises to keep you dancing and singing along all day long.

3:00 p.m. - Family Fun Zone

Explore arts and crafts vendors, fuel up at food trucks serving up local flavors, and marvel at classic cars on display. The inflatable kid’s zone promises a great place for the little ones to play, while touch-A-Truck lets kids (and kids-at-heart) get up close to their favorite vehicles.

All-American Contests

Are you ready for some friendly competition? Cheer on participants in the hot dog eating contest and see who can devour the most in record time. It's a spectacle that's as entertaining to watch as it is to participate in!

5:30 p.m. - Evening Entertainment

As the sun sets, the excitement ramps up with more live music and entertainment to keep the energy high. Hit the dance floor with non-stop live music featuring chart-toppers like Frankie Ballard and Easton Corbin. Frankie's hits "Young & Crazy" and "Sunshine & Whiskey" will have you singing along, while Easton's smooth vocals and country classics like "A Little More Country Than That" will keep the party going strong. Grab a spot on the lawn and enjoy the festive atmosphere as we count down to the grand finale

9:00 p.m. - Fireworks Spectacular

Prepare to be amazed as the night sky lights up with the largest fireworks display in Spirit of America history. It's a breathtaking end to a day filled with community spirit, patriotism, and fun.

Spirit of America Cornhole Tournament Hosted by YP Decatur

Join in on the friendly competition at the Spirit of America Cornhole Tournament, proudly sponsored by YP Decatur (Young Professionals). Held throughout the day on July 4th, this lively event invites teams to test their skills and aim for victory in a classic game of cornhole. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, come enjoy the spirited atmosphere and maybe even win some exciting prizes. It's a fantastic way to connect and celebrate community spirit at Point Mallard Park.

Spirit of America Car Show Sponsored by Lynn Layton Chevrolet

Rev up your engines and cruise over to the Spirit of America Car Show, proudly sponsored by Lynn Layton Chevrolet. Taking place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., this thrilling event invites car enthusiasts of all ages to marvel at a stunning display of classic and modern vehicles. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the Spirit of America in motion, all while supporting a great cause with a $25 entry fee that will go towards the prizes offered throughout the event.

Join Us for Free!

Thanks to the generous support of The Grisham Group Real Estate, admission to the Spirit of America Festival is free for everyone. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and American spirit as we come together to celebrate our freedom and the spirit of our great nation.

Don't miss out on the biggest party of the summer! Join us at Point Mallard Park on July 4th for a day filled with music, activities, and fireworks that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Click here for updates at this year's Spirit of America Festival

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Faith, Architecture, and Activism: The Story of First Missionary Baptist Church

By Emma Martin • February 21, 2025

In the heart of Old Town Decatur, Alabama, First Missionary Baptist Church stands as a beacon of resilience, faith, and history. Established in 1866 by 21 formerly enslaved individuals, the church has not only served as a spiritual home for its congregation but also as a significant symbol of African American perseverance and architectural heritage. The church's beginnings trace back to the home of Jane Young, where its founding members gathered under the leadership of Rev. Alfred Peters, the first pastor. Initially, services were held in a modest storefront along the Tennessee River, embodying the dedication and commitment of its members despite limited resources. In 1873, the congregation took a significant step forward by purchasing a building from a white Methodist congregation, establishing a more permanent place of worship.First Missionary Baptist Church's current home, constructed in 1921, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical Romanesque architecture, designed by the renowned Wallace Augustus Rayfield. Rayfield, a trailblazing African American architect, is best known for designing the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which became a tragic yet powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement following the 1963 bombing. His influence is evident in the thick brick walls, rounded arches, towering structures, and striking stained-glass windows of First Missionary Baptist Church, which shares design elements with its Birmingham counterpart. Throughout its history, First Missionary Baptist Church has been more than a place of worship; it has been a pillar of the African American community in Decatur. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws, the church became a hub of resistance and advocacy. Notably, during the infamous Scottsboro Boys trials of the 1930s, the church provided a safe space for meetings between defense attorneys and prospective jurors, demonstrating its commitment to justice and equality. While the church remains a cornerstone of Decatur's African American community, it has faced its share of struggles as years have gone by. Despite these challenges, the congregation remains steadfast in preserving this historic landmark. Efforts are underway to restore and maintain the building, with hopes of transforming it into a destination for Civil Rights education, historical tours, architectural enthusiasts and more. First Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a structure; it is a living testament to faith, endurance, and cultural heritage. Its story, interwoven with the broader narrative of African American history in the South, deserves recognition and preservation for future generations. With ongoing community support, this historic church can continue to serve as an enduring symbol of resilience and progress.

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By Emma Martin • January 21, 2025

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Ring in 2025 in Style: New Year's Eve in the River City

By Emma Martin • December 27, 2024

If you're looking for an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year in the River City, look no further! We’ve put together the ultimate New Year’s Eve itinerary to ensure you have an evening full of amazing food, drinks, and excitement. From a fantastic dinner to a lively pre-game cocktail hour, and an unforgettable casino night, the River City has it all.

Decatur’s Festival of the Cranes: A Celebration of Nature and Community

By Emma Martin • December 12, 2024

Over the years, Decatur, Alabama, has become a haven for nature lovers every January. The annual Festival of the Cranes draws spectators from near and far to marvel at the majestic Sandhill and Whooping Cranes as they make their winter migration south