Fort Payne, Ala. – An explosion of free family fun atop Lookout Mountain has DeKalb County celebrating our nation’s independence. Celebrations begin July 2 and offer a variety of activities including homegrown music, an ice cream social, parades and a festival centered on potatoes.

On July 2, the city of Fort Payne invites everyone to a star-spangled celebration with free hot dogs, soft drinks, American flags, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. The event takes place at the Fort Payne High School football stadium and begins at dusk. With its roots in potato farming, the town of Henagar pays tribute to its heritage with a free festival.

Set for July 4, the annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival offers a car and motorcycle show, pony rides, arts and crafts fair, parade, horseshoe tournament, live entertainment, and children’s games and inflatables along with a variety of potato entrees and side dishes. The free event begins with a parade at 10 a.m. and culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.

All activities are held in Henagar Park located on Alabama Highway 75. While admission is free, a small fee is charged to participate in some of the children’s games and activities and parking is $2 per vehicle.

DeSoto State Park offers its annual star-spangled celebration beginning with a Splish & Splash Pool Party on July 5. From 6:30 to 9 p.m., visitors are invited to cool off in the Olympic-size pool, play pool games, watch a movie in the great outdoors and eat homemade ice cream. Admission is $1 per person.

Hitting the streets at 3 p.m. on July 6 is the Independence Day Parade. The parade route begins at DeSoto’s Park Headquarters and makes its way to DeSoto’s Campground, just in time for the Homemade Ice Cream Social which is set for 4 p.m. at the Campground Pavilion. Guests are welcome to bring their own favorite recipe for homemade ice cream to share while enjoying summer’s favorite treat. Guests are invited to make a homemade flag to be judged in the annual fun contest. All ages are welcome to participate. Materials and rules are available at the Campground Pavilion beginning July 3. Flags must be turned in to DeSoto’s Nature Center no later than 9 a.m., July 6. Winners of the flag-making contest will also be announced during the Ice Cream Social.

Additional activities offered in and around DeSoto State Park during the fourth of July holiday are rappelling, kayak and canoe excursions above DeSoto Falls and rock climbing. Organized by the Mentone Area Arts Council, JulyFest Art and Music Festival made its debut in 2012 attracting thousands to the mountaintop town for a weekend of free family fun.

High atop Lookout Mountain in Mentone, the second annual event returns July 6–7, bringing with it two days of arts and crafts, free music by notable Alabama bands, a pet parade and more.

Headlining this year’s event is country star Leah Seawright who will take the stage for a two hour performance with her band, including drummer Mark Herndon, formerly with the group Alabama.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 6 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 7. Festival goers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and picnic blankets. All activities take place rain or shine and admission is free. For more information on the Sand Mountain Potato Festival, Julyfest and other Independence Day celebrations, contact DeKalb Tourism at 888-805-4740 or visit discoverlookoutmountain.com.