With the Fourth of July approaching, many students are making plans for fireworks, sunshine and live music.
Among the festivities going on in Auburn and at nearby Lake Martin, they will not be short on Fourth of July celebrations to choose from.
Ally Wilson from Auburn Parks and Recreation said the city of Auburn's annual Fourth of July Celebration will be held on Saturday night in front of Duck Samford Football Stadium on Dean Road. Gates will be opening at 6 p.m.
"It is a family event," Wilson said.
The event is free to the public. Live music will kick off at 7 p.m., and there will be door prizes, barbeque for sale and a fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m.
Forty-five minutes northwest of Auburn, Lake Martin is hosting Fourth of July events all day long.
Starting at 10 a.m. there will be a boat parade from Kowaliga Marina to Children's Harbor where boats will be judged and awarded on their patriotic decoration.
At 7 p.m. a concert will take place at the Lake Martin Amphitheater featuring The Sweet Young'uns, Muse and Karen Carter. Following the concert, there will be a fireworks show that begins at 9 p.m.
"This is the one of the biggest events that Lake Martin has," said Carla Berry of the Dadeville Chamber of Commerce. "It's the 9th annual event, and there is a big turnout every year."
Jamie Ankenbrandt, a senior in fine arts, attended the Lake Martin Fourth of July celebration last year and is planning to attend again this year.
"The fireworks show at Lake Martin is one of the biggest I can remember," Ankenbrandt said. "I haven't heard of any of the bands, but last year they were lots of fun to dance to, so I'm sure this year will be similar."
Ankenbrand said she is expecting a lot of Auburn students to make the trip to Lake Martin since class is canceled the Friday before the big weekend.
"I don't think many students will stay in town for the holiday weekend," Ankenbrandt said. "Most everyone wants to be at the beach or at the lake to beat the heat, and since Lake Martin is so close, it will draw a big crowd from Auburn."
Heather Ford, a senior in psychology, said she is headed to the beach with family and friends for the Fourth of July weekend.
"I'm hoping to relax, enjoy the sunshine, eat some good food and hopefully catch a fireworks show on Saturday night," Ford said. "No matter where students are, everyone wants to see fireworks on the Fourth of July. It's just the thing you have to do."
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