American Village honors Independence Day with history, celebration and fireworks
Published 9:23 pm Saturday, July 5, 2025
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
The American Village held its annual Fourth of July celebration featuring an elaborate ode to the land of the free and the home of the brave on Friday, July 4. (For the Reporter/Jeremy Raines)
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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer
MONTEVALLO – With the sounds of fifes and drums, the flash of fireworks and the echoes of history, American Village welcomed visitors from across Shelby County and beyond for a star-spangled Fourth of July celebration unlike any other.
The immersive, all-day event brought more than 50 activities to the Montevallo landmark, including historical reenactments, musical performances, colonial games and interactive educational experiences. This year’s celebration also marked the official one-year countdown to America’s 250th birthday in 2026, adding special significance to an already patriotic day.
“This is a one-of-a-kind patriotic destination, and there’s no better place to celebrate,” said Melanie Poole, communications officer for American Village.
Visitors of all ages roamed the colonial-style grounds, interacting with historical interpreters portraying George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Phillis Wheatley and many more. From the Battle of Concord Bridge reenactment to Paul Revere’s midnight ride, history came alive around every corner.
Guests could also sign America’s founding documents, learn colonial etiquette, witness demonstrations of 18th-century medicine or dance at the Independence Day Ball to period-accurate music performed by violinist Annesely Streets.
For younger visitors, there was no shortage of fun and education. Children became patriot spies, played colonial games, met animals at the petting zoo and enjoyed face painting, balloon art and Betsy Ross-themed crafts.
Live music played throughout the day from a wide range of performers, including:
– The Colonial Consort and their period wind instruments
– Rita Allen and Robbie Draper with USO-style tunes
– JQ’s One Man Band
– Crimson Pride Men’s Barbershop Quartet
The day culminated in an emotional twilight ceremony and fireworks show. The Montevallo Community Band performed a “Salute to America’s Veterans,” leading into a dazzling fireworks display set to live patriotic music as guests watched from lawn chairs, blankets and VIP seating.
This year’s celebration held added significance as it began the official one-year countdown to the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026. Poole discussed the early plans for the big celebration.
“Looking toward 2026, we’re planning a potential two-day event, including a July 3 music festival,” Poole said.
Food vendors dotted the campus throughout the day, offering everything from barbecue and burgers to lemonade, shaved ice and sweets. Local favorites like Chick-fil-A, Chubbfathers, Kona Ice, Corn King and Wild Bill’s Soda served guests of all ages.
With standard admission at $10 for adults and $5 for children and a VIP option offering premium amenities, the event was designed to be both accessible and memorable.
As the sun set over the red-brick buildings and white-columned courtyards of American Village, the skies lit up in celebration—not just of the nation’s independence, but of its enduring story.
“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.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Americanvillage.org.
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