American Village set to host star-spangled Fourth of July celebration

Published 12:06 pm Friday, June 13, 2025

By Dave Domescik

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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – American Village is preparing to roll out the red, white and blue in a big way this Fourth of July, inviting families from across Shelby County and beyond to experience a full day of patriotic celebration, living history, music, food and fireworks.

The 2025 event will also mark the official one-year countdown to America’s 250th birthday in 2026. The day will be filled with more than 50 family-friendly activities, including historical reenactments, colonial games, musical performances and a twilight fireworks show accompanied by live patriotic music. From meeting America’s Founding Fathers to dancing at the Independence Day Ball, the celebration promises to be one of the most immersive and meaningful in the state.

“Get ready for an unforgettable Fourth of July,” said Melanie Poole, communications officer for American Village. “This is a one-of-a-kind patriotic destination, and there’s no better place to celebrate.”

One of American Village’s biggest draws is its cast of costumed historical interpreters. Throughout the day, visitors can interact with iconic American figures including George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John and Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, Alexander and Eliza Hamilton and Phillis Wheatley, among others.

Reenactments will include the Battle of Concord Bridge, colonial manners and crime and punishment demonstrations and the Independence Day Ball, where guests can step back in time and dance to 18th-century music performed on historically accurate instruments.

“Guests will be immersed in the lives of our founders,” Poole said. “They’ll learn about the sacrifices made for liberty and the birth of a nation.”

Educational programming will be woven throughout the day, with activities like Paul Revere’s Ride, Betsy Ross crafts and opportunities for children to sign America’s founding documents. Younger visitors can also enjoy a petting zoo, face painting, balloon art, colonial games and become young patriot spies.

A variety of performers will fill the campus with music throughout the day, including:

– The Colonial Consort, playing period-correct wind instruments

– Violinist Annesely Streets, performing at the Independence Day Ball

– USO-style performances by singer Rita Allen and pianist Robbie Draper

– James Quakenbush – JQ’s One Man Band

– Crimson Pride Men’s Barbershop Quartet

In the evening, the Montevallo Community Band will perform a “Salute to America’s Veterans” before accompanying the grand finale fireworks show with patriotic favorites.

There will be 18 food vendors on site offering everything from burgers and BBQ to lemonade, shaved ice and sweet treats. Confirmed vendors include Chick-fil-A, Chubbfathers, Kona Ice, Wild Bill’s Soda, Corn King and many more.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-18, while veterans, active military and children under 4 attend for free. A VIP Pass is also available for $150, which includes early entry, premium parking, exclusive hospitality with air conditioning and refreshments and front-row seating for the evening program and fireworks.

This year’s celebration holds added significance as it begins the official one-year countdown to the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026.

“We’ll kick off the countdown during the evening program with a special presentation—and maybe even a few surprises,” Poole said. “Looking toward 2026, we’re planning a potential two-day event, including a July 3 music festival.”

American Village’s Independence Day celebration aligns directly with its mission to educate and inspire American citizens, especially young people, through engaging programming that promotes the ideals of liberty and self-government.

“Our mission is to teach youth the vital lessons of liberty, to remember the price of freedom and to foster a renewal of the American spirit,” Poole said. “This celebration is the embodiment of those goals.”

Whether it’s walking through a replica of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, watching colonial medicine demonstrations or signing the Declaration of Independence, American Village offers a unique and meaningful way to celebrate the Fourth of July.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Americanvillage.org.

More Montevallo

Shelby Humane to host low-cost vaccine clinic on July 19

Family Connection to host Extended Family for Kids Leader Training event

University of Montevallo to host Summer Preview Day on July 18

Local DAR members meet in Washington, D.C.

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