Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights Celebration Planned for July 4 in Downtown Cochran

By Becky Holland

A full day of family fun, friendly competition, patriotic pride and fireworks is planned for Saturday, July 4, as the Cochran-Bleckley Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights celebration in downtown Cochran.

This year’s event is especially significant as communities across the nation celebrate America’s 250th birthday, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. and continue throughout the evening, culminating with a fireworks display after dark.

The celebration will feature activities and competitions for all ages, including live music, food trucks, vendors, contests, a classic car cruise-in, bicycle and golf cart parades, a fly-in at Cochran Municipal Airport, a water play area for children and more.

Cruise-In Returns to Main Street

Classic cars, trucks and hot rods will once again line Main Street during the annual Cruise-In beginning at 5 p.m.

Owners are invited to bring their vehicles, show them off and help create a nostalgic backdrop for the community celebration.

Friendly Competition Planned

Several competitions are scheduled throughout the evening.

The Fourth of July Grill-Off Competition will invite cooks to compete in categories including Best Ribs, Best Pork, Best Beef, Most Adventurous and Most Patriotic.

Bakers can showcase their talents in the Peach Cobbler Bake-Off, where entries will be judged on flavor, creativity and presentation.

Students in grades 5-8 will have an opportunity to participate in the Liberty Ice Cream Making Competition, creating patriotic frozen treats for judges to sample.

Organizers say ribbons, prizes and bragging rights will be awarded in multiple categories.

Decorate and Ride

Children and families are encouraged to decorate bicycles, wagons, scooters and golf carts for the annual patriotic parades through downtown Cochran.

The Bicycle Parade will begin at 6 p.m., while the Golf Cart Parade is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to embrace the red, white and blue theme and show off their creativity.

Water Play, Music and Family Activities

In addition to the competitions, families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the evening.

A water play area will provide relief from the summer heat, while live music and entertainment on the courthouse stage will keep visitors entertained.

Food vendors, games and community activities will also be available.

Fly-In and Road Race

The annual celebration will also include a Fly-In at Cochran Municipal Airport and the popular 1-Mile Fun Run and 5K Race, giving participants additional opportunities to be involved throughout the day.

Fireworks at Dark

The evening will conclude with a fireworks display expected to light up the Cochran sky.

Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, gather with friends and family and enjoy an evening celebrating community and country.

Pageant Planned June 27

The celebration will actually begin a week earlier with the Miss Liberty Bell and Mr. Liberty Pageant on Saturday, June 27, at the Cochran City Auditorium.

The pageant will feature divisions ranging from infants through teenagers and is being held in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary.