FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The city of Fairhope is prepared to mark the Independence Day of its centennial year with traditional fanfare.

The north end of Fairhope Municipal Park will be available throughout the day for informal family fun and will remain open until all parking spaces are filled. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day by Foster Concessions.

The south end of the park as well as Knoll Park and Henry George Park will be available to spectators for the evening’s festivities. Lawn chairs and blankets are advised for comfort. Picnickers are welcome.

The Baldwin Pops Band will present an Independence Day Concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Henry George Park on the bluff. A variety of patriotic music will be played before and during the fireworks display.

From 6 to 9 p.m., the Downtown Merchants will be selling beverages.

Limited handicap parking will be available near the fountain, but anyone wishing to park in this area is encouraged to come early and stay until the fireworks show is completed. Those unable to attend the beachside festivities can listen to the Baldwin Pops at home. WABF 1220 AM will carry a live broadcast of the band concert. Those who gather at the bay or on the bluff are encouraged to bring along a battery-powered radio and tune it to WABF for an enhanced listening experience.

The Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department is in charge of the pyrotechnics. Their show of light and sound will begin around 9.

A TRADITION OF

CELEBRATING

While the corporate traditions of celebrating the Fourth of July have changed over the years in Fairhope, residents of the community have always celebrated the day in some fashion.

The annual tradition was well entrenched in 1908 when residents first marked the nation’s birth during its incorporation year. In those days, a full schedule of activities was usually planned, and 1908 was no exception. The holiday fell on a Saturday that year and the festivities opened with a parade.

According to the Fairhope Courier of July 3, 1908, two parade form-up areas were designated. Magnolia Avenue east of Section Street for the Kallathumpians and three wagons. The wagons carried 13 young ladies who represented the 13 original states or grants as well as Miss Columbia and Uncle Sam. The 10:30 a.m. parade route was down Fairhope Avenue to the beach park. At the top of the bluff, the Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias from Mobile were to join the parade as it made its way down the bluff to the bay.

At 11, a formal program was planned that included the singing of “America” by a male quartet from Mobile, a welcome by Mayor Greeno, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, music, an oration by U.S. District Attorney William H. Armbrect, “The Star Spangled Banner” and a flag drill by 16 Fairhope young ladies under the direction of Mrs. Marietta Johnson.

At 12:30 p.m., everyone was to enjoy a picnic dinner followed by an exhibition drill by the Knights of Pythias. At 2, a full round of games were planned: “Jolly Sports,” consisting of obstacle races, potato races, thread the needle races and three-legged races, to name a few. Next came a baseball game between the Merry Widow 9 of Fairhope and a Mobile team. After the game, water sports were played, including a rowing race, swimming race and a tub race.

July 4, 1908 brought with it intermittent rain. While the newspaper later reported the precipitation interfered with the program schedule organized by the Beach Improvement Association, many of the activities were completed. The temperature remained moderate all day, staying in the high 70s. While the parade was cancelled, the program was held at Powell’s “spacious” pavilion. The afternoon races were held, and Fairhope residents did not cheer in vain at the baseball game. Fairhope won the game 9 to 6. The fireworks and a dance closed out the day.

The Courier reported that many in Baldwin County drove in for the day. While the rain may have dampened the size of the Mobile crowd, the steamers Fairhope, Pleasure Bay and Carney delivered about 175 across the bay.

For more information on the 2008 Fourth of July events, contact the city at 929-1466.