Annual Patriotic Party in the Park Draws Crowds Despite the Heat

Families, friends and neighbors gathered at Ridge Ferry Park on Thursday, braving the heat to celebrate Independence Day and demonstrating the strength of Rome’s community.

The Caldwells were among those who traveled from out of town for the Patriotic Party in the Park. Thomas Caldwell was born in Rome and he and his wife came to the event to connect with family members for the day while having fun in one of their favorite parks.

“We always come to Rome for the fireworks,” Jennifer Caldwell said. “It’s important for us to always come back to his home to do the fireworks and see the bridge and all of that. To be here at our favorite spot is special for us.”

The celebration started at noon with food vendors, water inflatables and live music. It was slated to end with a display that featured “more than 1,500 fireworks of all types, colors and sizes,” according to Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation.

Recreation Services Manager Lindsey Jones said the event is “nonstop fun all day long,” with the real crowds starting to gather around 3 p.m.

“I know its been a great place for everybody to come together to celebrate July Fourth,” Jones said at the start of the event. “Everybody will be decked out in their red, white and blue.”

This year’s celebration featured live music from two local artists, Will Terry and Hunter Chastain.

Among the six food trucks was Sugar Rush Meats and Sweets. The founder and owner of this catering business, James Hall, said that they go to the Fourth of July celebration every year and they love it.

“This is a chance to get out here and meet the community,” Hall said. “Its a good event. This is a nice gathering with people coming together with good music and food.”

Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation holds an Independence Day celebration annually but this is the first year it was sponsored by Atrium Health Floyd.

“Without them we wouldn’t be able to make it what it is, honestly,” Jones said.

Jones shared that every year the event is a hit with so many people attending that you can’t even see the grass. She said that the event is a chance for everyone to get together and just have some fun.