GALLERY: Andalusia celebrates Fourth of July with declaration reading, annual parade

This week, red, white, and blue filled the air with many Independence Day festivities in the community for people of all ages to enjoy.

The festivities began with a new event called “Andalusia Reads the Declaration” at City Hall on Tuesday, July 2, where members from the community gathered to recite the Declaration of Independence in an event organized by Dr. Steve Hubbard.

“Whether you read a section of the Declaration of Independence, rang bells, provided refreshments, played the violin or supported and transported the violinist, made the auditorium available and workable, publicized the event, or performed other needed behind-the-scenes tasks, thank you for making Andalusia Reads the Declaration a positive experience for the community,” Hubbard said.

Dalton Holloway performed music from the American Revolutionary era on the violin. Hubbard welcomed attendees and introduced area residents who recited the Declaration of Independence. Five women from the DAR’s Old Three Notch chapter rang bells. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Rector Eric Mancil led the audience in singing “My Country, Tis of Thee.”

“As we celebrated the 248th anniversary of the founding of our country, it was good to remind ourselves and our audience of how the United States got started and of what, at our best, we Americans stand for. In my view, hearing the Declaration of Independence read aloud, in multigenerational voices, is one of the best ways to do that. The Daughters of the American Revolution Old Three Notch chapter and City of Andalusia also did a great job with this year’s parade,” Hubbard added.

According to DAR Historian Sue Bass Wilson, there was a good turnout for Andalusia Reads the Declaration.

“All stayed for refreshments and socialized: black and white alike and made for a very patriotic occasion. Citizens from every walk of life attended and came dressed in red, white, and blue,” Wilson said. “We had teachers, preachers, retirees, business people, grandmothers with grandchildren, musicians, college students, and high school students were among those who attended. It was a perfect event leading into Independence Day, and many suggested repeating this as an annual event.”

The Old Three Notch Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution held its 12th annual parade with over 100 entries on Thursday, July 4, starting at the First Baptist Church, traveling down East Three Notch Street turning at Pirate Graphics, and returning to the church.

The grand marshal of the parade was Alabama State DAR Regent Malinda Williams. DAR Regent Carol-Ann Mullins said this year marked the first time the state has sent its regent to participate in parade festivities.

“The Daughters of the American Revolution Old Three Notch chapter was grateful to hold its 12th annual Fourth of July parade on Thursday. We had over 100 entries this year with a large crowd on hand to show support,” Mullins said. “There were boats, tractors, race cars, classic cars, fire twirlers, beauty queens, horses, fire trucks, a foot, a trolley, dogs, clubs, businesses, and everyone supporting their red, white, and blue. Thank you for coming out, Andalusia!”

The City of Andalusia held its annual Fourth of July celebration at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds with fireworks, watermelon, and live music performed by 55 South.

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