Freedom rings true under red, white and blue in Prattville

Malia Riggs

Elmore Autauga News

Photos from Malia Riggs and City of Prattville

Prattville celebrated Independence Day in style with festivities all over the city July 4th.

Things kicked off with a bang with the Independence Day parade through Prattville. Bringing patriotism to the heart of downtown. The grand marshal this year was Autauga County native June Weedon Dorough.

Dorough serves as the assistant branch director and the ability programs director at the Bradford YMCA. She has been over the Field of Dreams and Ability Programs for seven years helping specials needs kids and adults in the community.

Dorough rode in style as lead off to the parade Thursday morning. The awards for best floats went to first place winner Red White and Awesome, second place Freedom Firecracker and third place All American Superstar.

“We know it’ going to be one of the hottest days of the year, but we’re always amazed to see how many people come out for a traditional, small town, American 4th of July. I think we also have the best fireworks show in the River Region. It makes for a perfect end to a patriotic day,” Prattville Parks and Recreation Director Kellie Cook said.

During the annual Independence Celebration at Pratt Park, Mayor Bill Gillespie, City Councilors and the Prattville Lions Club joined the Prattville Parks and Recreation to officially open the new BBQ pit and pavilion.

“Not only is this pavilion more useful and affective, but we will also be able to use it long term and more often,” Gillespie said.

This addition will house future BBQ events for the city and community alike. It’s available for rent through the Parks and Recreation Department at 334-595-0800 for more information

“We are so grateful to the Prattville Lions Club lions for working with the city to bring this great American birthday party to Prattville. Thank you, veterans, military and patriots, for all you do. Without them, we wouldn’t have the freedoms we have today,” Gillespie said.

Following the parade, the fun continued  at the Pratt Pool and Pratt Park for cardboard boat races, with extensive and grueling competition. There were three heats and 15 contestants this year.

Contestants had 30 minutes to build a boat made of cardboard and duct tape. Many also decorated their vessels for action.

However, the patriotic celebration didn’t stop there.

Fireworks filled the night sky for the 4th of July evening at the Homeplace Clocktower to let freedom ring this Independence Day.

See more photos below.