City finalizes Fourth of July celebration plans
The Russellville City Council approved contracts Monday night that will allow organizers to finalize plans on the annual Fourth of July Jam on Sloss Lake celebration.
When the city of Russellville planned the first Fourth of July celebration at Sloss Lake in 2009, few knew exactly how quickly the event would grow, but for the past two years officials have estimated crowds at nearly 15,000.
“This gets bigger and better every year,” said Russellville city councilman Gary Cummings, who spearheaded the event from its inception.
“We want it to keep growing so it will get better and better and so that future administrations will see the importance of keeping it going. This whole thing started in 2009 because we wanted to give our residents something to do and so that people from other areas could see what a great city we have.”
The 5th Annual Jam on Sloss Lake will include a full day’s worth of activities, beginning with the 4th Annual Cotton Flats Cruisers Car Show.
Registration for the car show will begin at 7 a.m. in the parking lot next to the FMI plant. There is a $20 registration fee. Awards will be presented as well as several door prizes. The car show will last until 2 p.m.
The grand prize winner will receive a 350 GM crate engine.
Throughout the car show, Jacob and Adam Green and Buford Parker will provide entertainment.
Entertainment at Sloss Lake will be as follows:
• 12 – 2 p.m. Entourage
• 2 – 2:55 p.m. Still Here
• 2:55 – 3:50 p.m. Purpose
• 4 – 4:55 p.m. Muscle Shoals Mafia
• 5:05 – 6 p.m. Rewind
• 6:15 – 7:10 p.m. Travis Wammack
• 7:25 – 8:10 p.m. Southbound
• 8:25 – 9:30 p.m. KGB
One of north Alabama’s largest fireworks displays will begin at 9:40 p.m.
The Russellville gas board, electric board and water board all contributed to help offset some of the costs.
Visitors will be able to park across from the park area and shuttle services will be available. The city property located across Alabama 24 from the entrance to Sloss Lake has been cleared to provide additional parking.
Cummings said shuttles will transport visitors back and forth to the park area throughout the afternoon and night.
“I believe we have a great lineup planned throughout the day and the fireworks show should be really good,” Cummings said.
“We just want to encourage everyone to bring their lawn chair and bring their friends. This is a chance for everyone to have a good time together celebrating the Fourth of July right here in Russellville.”
Food vendors will be open throughout the day as well.
