The Ledger

By Becky Holland

The Cochran-Bleckley County Chamber of Commerce has released details for several contests and activities that will be part of the Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights Fourth of July Celebration in Downtown Cochran.

The community celebration, which commemorates America’s 250th Birthday, will feature family-friendly activities, contests, live entertainment, food vendors, a cruise-in, parades and fireworks.

Saturday, June 27

Miss Liberty Bell & Mr. Liberty Pageant

• Cochran City Auditorium
• 5 p.m.
• Open to multiple age divisions from infants through age 18.

Saturday, July 4

Liberty Ice Cream Making Competition

• Downtown Cochran
• 5 p.m.
• Open to students in grades 5-8.

Fourth of July Grill-Off Competition

• Downtown Cochran
• 5 p.m.
• Categories include Best Ribs, Best Pork, Best Beef, Most Adventurous, Most Patriotic and Non-Meat.

Fourth of July Peach Cobbler Bake-Off

• Downtown Cochran
• 5 p.m.
• Categories include Best Crust, Most Adventurous, Best Flavor and Judges’ Choice.

Classic Car Cruise-In

• Downtown Cochran/Main Street
• 5 p.m.

Bicycle Parade

• Line-up begins at 5:30 p.m.
• Parade starts at 6 p.m.
• Downtown Cochran

Golf Cart Parade

• Line-up begins at 6:30 p.m.
• Parade starts at 7 p.m.
• Downtown Cochran

Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights Celebration

• Activities begin at 6 p.m.
• Live music
• Food trucks and vendors
• Water play area for children
• Cornhole and games
• Fly-In at Cochran Municipal Airport
• One-mile and 5K road races
• Family activities throughout downtown

Fireworks Show

• At dark

Looking Ahead

The Chamber has also announced the return of the Cochran-Bleckley Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, including a community-wide pumpkin growing contest with categories for largest pumpkin, heaviest pumpkin, most beautiful pumpkin and most interesting pumpkin.

For registration information, contest details or event questions, contact the Cochran-Bleckley County Chamber of Commerce at 478-934-2965.

For additional updates, visit the Chamber’s website or follow its social media pages.